Control, sound, and operating system for model trains

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit. The present invention also discloses circuitry for connecting the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, and have real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train. Novel coupler designs and circuits, as well as a novel smoke unit, are also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a new control, sound and operatingsystem for model toys and vehicles, and in particular for model trainand railroad systems. The present invention contains a number ofinventive features for model trains as well, including new coupler andsmoke unit designs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Model trains have had a long and illustrious history. From the earliestmodel trains to the present, one of the primary goals of model trainsystem designers has been to make the model train experience asrealistic as possible for the user.

The typical model train has an electric motor inside the train thatoperates from a voltage source. The voltage is sent down the modeltracks where it is picked up by the train's wheels and rollers, thentransferred to the motor. A power source supplies the power to thetracks. The power source can control both the amount (amplitude) andpolarity (direction) of the voltage, so that the user may control boththe speed and direction of the train. Some systems use a DC voltageapplied to the track. In others, the voltage is an AC voltage, and isusually the 60 Hz AC voltage available from standard U.S. wall outlets.In these systems, a transformer is necessary to reduce the amount ofvoltage provided to the system.

Using the above-described system, an early method of operating modeltrains is now referred to as “legacy” mode. As the user increases ordecreases the amount of voltage applied to the track throughmanipulation of a throttle on the power source, the train will gain orlose speed as it travels along the track. This is a straightforwardoperation whereby the user directly controls the amount of voltageapplied to the train's motor. Such a mode of operation requires the userto constantly monitor and adjust the amount of voltage applied to thetracks. For example, a train approaching a curve in the track mayde-rail if the train is moving too fast. The user must therefore reducethe amount of voltage received by the train's motor by cutting back onthe power source throttle prior to the train reaching the curve. Similarsituations may occur elsewhere on the track layout, such as when thetrain approaches an upgrade (which may require the user to increase theamount of voltage applied) or when the train is attached to a heavyload.

In addition to being able to control the speed and direction of modeltrains, early train systems enabled the user to operate a whistle (orhorn) and later a bell located on the train. In AC-powered systems, thiswas done by applying a DC offset voltage superimposed on the AC voltageapplied to the track. In later systems, the train had circuitry thatdistinguished between the polarities of the DC offset voltage. Thus, forexample, the whistle (or horn) would blow when a +DC offset voltage wasapplied to the track, and the bell would ring when a −DC offset voltagewas applied. Typically, the user would press a “horn” or “bell” buttonlocated on the power source to effect the desired sound.

It should be apparent that the above-described system provided the userwith only limited control over the operation of the train, and furtherrequired constant manual manipulation of the power source in order tomaintain the train on the track layout. Later-developed systemstherefore attempted to address these shortcomings and thereby increasethe realism of the model train experience.

Two examples of such systems include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,251,856 to Young et al., and Marklin's Digital line of model trains.These systems enabled the user to have remote control operation of thetrain. This was accomplished by inserting a control unit between thepower source and the tracks. The control unit responded to commandsentered by the user on a hand-held remote control. These types ofsystems generally utilized microprocessor technology. A microprocessoror receiver located in the model trains would have a unique digitaladdress associated with it. The user would enter the train's address anda command for the train on the remote control, such as “stop,” “blowwhistle,” “change direction,” and so on. The address and commands wouldbe implemented as infra-red (IR) or radio frequency (RF) signals. Thecontrol unit would receive the commands and pass the commands throughthe tracks in digital form, where the model train corresponding to theentered address would pick up the command. The microprocessor inside themodel train would then execute the entered command. For example, if theuser had entered a command such as “turn on train light,” themicroprocessor would send a signal to the light driver circuit locatedinside the train, and the light driver circuit would turn on the light.

In the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,856, the user is able tocontrol the speed of the train through the remote control. This isaccomplished through the use of a triac switch located inside thecontrol unit. The power source is set to a maximum desired level. Inresponse to input from the user, the triac switch inside the controlunit switches the AC waveform from the power source at appropriate timesto control the AC power level and impose a DC offset. The speed of thetrains will then change in accordance with the change in power appliedto the track. The aforementioned Marklin system, on the other hand,controls the speed of the trains by use of pulse width modulation (PWM)and fullwave rectifier circuits located inside the train. The dutyfactor of the output signal from the PWM circuit varies between 0 and15/16 at a frequency that is 1/16 of a counter frequency that remainsconstant. This allows the user a 16-step speed control for each train.

Many other advances have been. made in model trains beyond thosedescribed here. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,431 to Severson et al.describes the use of a state machine in the train that increases thenumber of control signals available to the user for control over trainfeatures such as sound volume, couplers, directional state, and varioussound features. U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,142 discloses, among other things,ways to improve the quality and realism of sounds made by the trainduring operation. Still, further advances in the area of model trainsare desirable, in order to approach the desired goal of realism duringoperation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a model train operating, sound andcontrol system that provides a user with operating realism beyond thatfound in prior art systems. The present invention provides a number ofnew and useful features in order to achieve this goal.

One feature of the present invention is a novel two-way remote controlcommunication capability between the user and the model trains. Thisfeature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on whichvarious commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit thatretrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit convertsthe commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals)which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up themodulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes itthrough use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry.The process may also be reversed, so that operating informationregarding the train is provided back to the user for display on theremote control.

Another feature of the present invention is a speed control circuitlocated on the printed circuit board inside the model train that iscapable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train andmaking adjustments to a motor drive circuit. Through this circuit,precise and accurate scale miles-per-hour speed may be continuouslymaintained by the model train, even as the train goes up and down hillsor around curves.

Still another feature of the present invention is the ability to connectthe Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CDplayer, or other sound source, and have real-time sounds stream down themodel train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the modeltrain. This feature enables a user to actually have a song or otherrecorded sound “played” by the model train as it travels around thetracks. A microphone embodiment is also disclosed, whereby the user'svoice may be played out through the model train speakers in real time.

Another feature of the present invention is a new coupler design andcircuit that enables the activation of electric couplers to be achievedat very low voltage. This feature allows coupler firing in the modeltrain environment to more closely match the operating conditions ofcouplers on real trains. This is particularly important when operatingin “legacy” mode, where low voltage is directly related to low speed,thereby providing more realistic operation.

Yet another feature of the present invention is a smoke unit circuitdesign that allows smoke (or steam) output to be controlled by the user.In this way, smoke and steam output from the model train can besynchronized to match the operating condition of the train. For example,as the train picks up speed, the amount of smoke or steam output wouldincrease accordingly. Or, if the load on the train increases, a largeramount of smoke will be outputted indicative of the additional powerrequired to move the train. In addition, the smoke puffs let out by thetrain can be synchronized with the rotation of the wheels and therebyreflect train speed. For example, the smoke unit circuit can becontrolled so that each ¼ rotation of the train wheels will result inone smoke “puff”. Also, the smoke unit circuit can be controlled to“stream” smoke continuously, even at zero velocity, as do real-lifesteamer-type trains. Even further, the volume of smoke output can beautomatic in relation to train conditions, or it can be manuallycontrolled by the user.

Many other features are described herein. For example, sounds may besynchronized to the model train operation, such as engine “chuff”sounds. The present invention provides the capability of the model trainsimulating the Doppler effect as the train approaches and passes by. Aseries of operating commands may be recorded by the user for preciseplay-back at another time. Customized sounds may be recorded so thatusers can have the model train play their own unique sounds. Sounds andinformation may be downloaded (and uploaded) through the Internet via acomputer or information appliance hookup to the TIU (additional examplesinclude telephones, PDAs, or other devices capable of providinginformation). Many different accessories (track lights, track switches,crossing gates, etc.) may be controlled by the user on the remotecontrol through use of an Accessory Interface Unit, also describedherein.

The complete invention is described below, and in the correspondingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of the basic elements of thecontrol system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of the hand-held remote control ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 shows one exemplary embodiment of the Track Interface Unit of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 shows one exemplary embodiment of the printed circuit boardlocated on the model train(s);

FIG. 4A shows an alternative “analog” sound system;

FIG. 5 shows a prior art (“legacy”) speed control circuit;

FIG. 6 shows a graph indicating speed vs. voltage at different loads forthe speed control circuit of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows one exemplary embodiment of the speed control circuit ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 shows one exemplary embodiment of the pulse width modulatorcircuit for the speed control circuit of FIG. 7 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 shows a graph indicating speed vs. voltage of the presentinvention in comparison to the prior art graph of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 a shows a side view of a conventional mechanical coupler;

FIG. 10 b shows a bottom view from FIG. 10 a of the latch member of theconventional mechanical coupler;

FIG. 11 a shows two trains preparing to be coupled using theconventional mechanical coupler of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 11 b shows interaction between the conventional mechanicalcouplers;

FIG. 11 c shows the two conventional mechanical couplers in a lockedclosed position;

FIG. 12 a shows the basic elements of a conventional solenoid coupler;

FIG. 12 b shows the conventional solenoid coupler in an un-locked openedposition;

FIG. 12 c shows the conventional solenoid coupler in a locked closedposition;

FIG. 13 a shows the basic elements of an exemplary embodiment of thenovel coupler of the present invention;

FIG. 13 b shows the novel coupler of the present invention in the lockedclosed position;

FIG. 13 c shows the novel coupler of the present invention in theun-locked open position;

FIG. 13 d shows a portion of FIG. 13 b in enlarged detail;

FIG. 13 e shows a portion of FIG. 13 c in enlarged detail;

FIG. 13 f shows the magnetic flux lines produced in the conventionalsolenoid coupler;

FIG. 13 g shows the magnetic flux lines produced in the novel coupler ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 a shows one exemplary embodiment of a smoke unit of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 b shows another exemplary embodiment of a smoke unit of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 c shows the control schematic for the smoke unit of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 a shows a logic diagram of a spread spectrum signal decoder inan ideal environment;

FIG. 15 b shows a logic diagram of a spread spectrum signal decoder in anoisy operating environment;

FIGS. 16 a-16 d show graphs of the Doppler effect simulations capablewith the present invention;

FIG. 17 a shows one exemplary embodiment of the Accessory Interface Unitof the present invention; and

FIG. 17 b shows one exemplary embodiment of a plurality of AccessoryInterface Units attached to the track layout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a control system that allows the user tooperate multiple trains on the same track and under independentoperating instructions. The present invention also allows a user tooperate different trains on the same track in different modes ofoperation. For example, a user may operate one or more trains in“command” mode, which refers to the present invention's use of digitalsignals to operate the model train equipped with the inventive featuresdescribed herein. At the same time, a user may operate one or moretrains on the track in the aforementioned “legacy” mode. Finally, othertrains on the track may operate in “conventional” mode, which is similarto legacy mode but which takes advantage of certain features of thepresent invention to improve the operation of the train.

OVERVIEW

FIG. 1 shows the basic components of the control system of the presentinvention. The track layout 10 is coupled to a Track Interface Unit(TIU) 12, which in turn is coupled to an Accessory Interface Unit (AIU)18. The AIU is connected to any number of train layout accessories(shown generically as Accessories 18′ in FIG. 1). The TIU 12 isconnected to a power source 14, which may be any type of AC or DCvoltage source, such as a transformer. In this embodiment, the powersource 14 provides AC voltage and is plugged into a standard wall outlet(not shown). Also shown in FIG. 1 is a hand-held remote control 16. Theuser inputs commands on the remote control 16 in order to control theoperation of the train(s) 11 on the track layout 10. The command mode ofoperation will be explained next.

In command mode, the train(s) 11 on the track ignore the voltage that isapplied to the tracks with respect to speed settings. Instead, thetrain(s) 11 respond only to digital speed command signals entered by theuser. In command mode, therefore, the power source 14 is typically setto approximately maximum voltage and left there.

The user enters the desired commands on the remote control 16. Thesecommands are relayed to the TIU 12 by RF signals in the preferredembodiment, although it should be understood that any form of wirelesstransmission, including IR signaling, would also be acceptable. The TIU12 has circuitry (explained more fully below) that receives the RFsignals containing the commands, and other circuitry that converts thesignals into modulated signals.

The present invention utilizes “spread spectrum” signaling as thepreferred mode of communicating commands from the user to the modeltrain(s) 11. Other modulation types are also acceptable and consideredto be within the scope of the present invention. Spread spectrumsignalling, however, has been. determined to be the preferred method.Generally, in spread spectrum signaling, the signal is coded and thebandwidth of the transmitted signal is made larger than the minimumbandwidth required to transmit the information being sent.

Spread spectrum signaling is desirable in the present context becausemodel train layouts generally are a noisy operating environment. When anarrow bandwidth is used to transmit a signal, there is the possibilitythat, due to noise, fading, or other interference, and the signal willbe lost. Spread spectrum signaling substantially eliminates this risk.The details of the spread spectrum signalling used in the presentinvention will be described in detail below.

For illustrative purposes, the rest of the description herein will referto spread spectrum signalling when referring to the communication methodemployed. It is contemplated, however, that other modulation methodscould also be used, as described above.

Returning to the description of the command mode of operation, the TIU12 transmits the spread spectrum signals out over the track layout 10.In other words, the signals are actually passed down the rail(s) of thetrack. The TIU 12 also provides power to the tracks from the powersource 14. Thus, both track power (in the form of AC voltage) and thecommands. are sent out by the TIU 12 to the track layout 10 through thetrack rail(s).

The train(s) 11 on the track layout 10 have an engine board inside thatcontains a microprocessor and other circuitry, as will be describedbelow. In simplest terms, the engine board in the train(s) 11 willreceive the spread spectrum signals from the TIU 12 and execute anycommands addressed to it. The train(s) 11 then performs the commandentered by the user.

In command mode, each model train 11 has a unique digital addressassociated with it (along with a “universal address” that, if inputted,would send the command to all the trains). The user enters the addresson the remote control 16 and the command that the user desires thatparticular train 11 to perform. Only the train 11 whose address has beenentered will respond to the command.

Through this arrangement, multiple trains 11 may be independentlycontrolled and operated by the user through use of the remote control16. As a non-limiting example, a user may command train #1 to accelerateto a desired speed and turn on its lights; command train #2 to announceits impending arrival at the next station and to stop at that station;and command train #3 to reverse direction, slow down and fire itscoupler in order to prepare to connect to a box car consist. The presentinvention allows for all three trains 11 to execute their respectivecommands independently of each other, while a constant AC voltage isapplied to the track. Two or more trains 11 can function on the sametrack, at different speeds, even though the track voltage is the sameand is controlled by the single power source 14 via the TIU 12.

Users can also operate one or more trains 11 on the track layout 10 inconventional mode. In this mode, the user varies the track voltage bymanipulating the power source 14 (either manually or by remote control).A train 11 operating in conventional mode will respond to the change intrack voltage by slowing down or speeding up. If more than one train 11is operating in conventional mode, each will respond at the same. timeto the variance in track voltage being applied by the power source 14.Thus, independent operation of trains 11 in conventional mode is notpossible.

However, the present invention allows the user to have one or moretrains 11 operating in command mode and one or more trains 11 operatingin conventional mode on the same track layout 10. Those train(s) 11equipped with the novel engine board shown in FIG. 4 will operate incommand mode if the user so desires as described above in response tocommands entered by the user on the remote control 16. Those train(s) 11operating in conventional mode will respond to changes in the trackvoltage effected by the user through the power source 14. The train(s)11 in command mode will continue to execute the commands entered by theuser without regard for the change in track voltage (subject tooperational limits), and the train(s) 11 in conventional mode willrespond only to changes in track voltage, oblivious to the spreadspectrum signals applied to the tracks for the command mode train(s) 11.This allows older trains and trains of different manufacturers tooperate alongside the inventive train disclosed herein on the same tracklayout.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the remote control 16 in more detail. Itshould be understood that the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is merelyexemplary, and any number of different remote control functions/designsmay be used. In FIG. 2, the remote control 16 has an LCD display 160, athumb-wheel 161, and various push buttons 162. The user enters commandsby pressing a particular push-button 162 (or a predetermined series ofpush-buttons 162) dedicated to a particular command, or by using thethumb-wheel 161 to scroll through a menu that appears on the LCD display160 to select the desired command. The remote control 16 is preferablybattery operated and is controlled by a processor 163. One acceptableprocessor 163 is part number M30624FGLFP sold by Mitsubishi. It shouldbe understood that other processors or hard-wired circuitry could beused. The remote control 16 also has a wireless transmitter, such as theillustrated RF transceiver 164 and antenna 165. The processor 163 in theremote control 16 monitors the inputs from the user and from the RFantenna 165 for any changes and updates the display accordingly.

As previously stated, the remote control 16 communicates with the TIU 12as shown in FIG. 1. When the remote control processor 163 is required tosend a command to the TIU 12, it does so through the RF transceiver 164.In one embodiment, the RF transceiver 164 operates in approximately the900 MHz band using “ook” (on/off keying) modulation, although it wouldbe recognized by those of skill in the art that other methods ofcommunication could be used. The processor 163, via the transceiver 164,sends an RF signal that contains the command entered by the user.

The TIU 12 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. The TIU 12 has atransceiver 120 that communicates with the transceiver 164 and antenna165 located in the remote control 16. Thus, in one embodiment thetransceiver 120 is a 900 MHz band 9600 baud ook transceiver, although itshould be understood that other transceiver configurations could beused. Further, an IR receiver could be used if the remote control 16 istransmitting IR signals, or any other wireless transceiver may also beacceptable depending on the wireless communication scheme implemented bythe manufacturer.

The transceiver 120 receives the RF signal containing the command issuedfrom the remote control 16. The transceiver 120 passes the RF signal toa processor 121 that controls the TIU 12. One suitable processor is partnumber M30624FGLFP manufactured by Mitsubishi, although other processorsare also acceptable. The processor 121 decodes the command from the RFsignal and issues an “acknowledgment packet” to the transceiver 120 forcommunication back to the remote control 16. The acknowledgment packetis used to inform the remote control 16 that the command wassuccessfully received by the TIU 12.

The processor 121 in the TIU 12 extracts the command from the RF signaland passes it to the communication circuit 123 for conversion intospread spectrum format (as described below). The communication circuit123 then passes the spread spectrum signal to a transmitter 127 foroutputting the spread spectrum signal to the track layout 10 viaconventional wiring. The spread spectrum signal is mixed with the ACvoltage provided to the tracks from the TIU 12 via the power source 14.It is contemplated that the processor may be capable of generating thespread spectrum signalling itself (such as a “system on a chip”), and insuch an embodiment the communication circuit 123 would not be necessary.

In an alternate embodiment, it is possible for the user to communicatecommands to the TIU 12 through.use of a computer 30. In this embodiment,the TIU 12 is connected to the computer 30 through a standard RS232 port122 (or other suitable data port) and cable 124. The commands normallyentered on the remote control 16 are entered through a computer programexecuted by the computer 30. The ability to write such a program is wellwithin the expertise of a person of ordinary skill in the art ofcomputer programming, and therefore no description of such a program isrequired herein. In the computer embodiment, the operation of the TIU 12and other elements of the invention remains the same.

The model train(s) 11 will be described next with reference to FIG. 4.The model train 11 has a printed circuit board 20 installed inside,which is shown in FIG. 4 in block diagram form. The printed circuitboard 20 has a processor 200 at the center of the model train'soperations. The processor 200 is connected to a receiver circuit 201that picks the spread spectrum signals off from the train track rails inthe preferred embodiment. The receiver circuit 201 passes the spreadspectrum signals to a communication circuit 202. The communicationcircuit 202, in one embodiment, correlates the spread spectrum signalsinto a fixed data pattern that is capable of being recognized by theprocessor 200. When correlation is achieved, the data pattern isoutputted by the communication circuit 202 to the processor 200. In analternate embodiment, it is contemplated that the processor 200 iscapable of converting the spread spectrum signals itself, and/or is ableto detect the command data from the spread spectrum signals (forexample, a system on a chip). In these embodiments, the communicationcircuit 202 is not necessary.

The processor 200, upon receiving the data pattern containing thecommand, outputs an acknowledge signal to the communication circuit 202.The communication circuit 202 converts the acknowledge signal to spreadspectrum format and outputs the acknowledge spread spectrum signal to atransmitter circuit 203. Alternatively, the processor 200 outputs anacknowledge signal in spread spectrum format itself directly to thetransmitter circuit 203. In this alternate embodiment, the communicationcircuit 202 is once again not necessary. In either embodiment, thetransmitter circuit 203 places the acknowledge spread spectrum signal onthe train track rails, where it is picked up by the TIU 12. The TIUprocessor 121 then converts the acknowledge spread spectrum signal intoan RF signal, which the TIU transceiver 120 outputs to the remotecontrol 16.

In this way, there is “handshake” capability between the TIU 12, modeltrain printed circuit board 20, and remote control 16. The reason forsuch bidirectional capability is that it allows the data about the modeltrain 11 to be received by the user. Such data may include, but is notlimited to, the type of train 11 (diesel or steam), the digital addressof the model train 11, consist information, the actual speed of thetrain 11, the types and amount of lights, whether there is a smoke unitpresent, the types of couplers, the various sound capabilities, theamount of memory available for sounds, the amount of voltage, current,and power the train 11 is using, and other such information. Thus, theTIU 12 and remote control 16 maintain all necessary, relevantinformation concerning the model train(s) 11 and their operation duringuse. This information is available to the user in order to enhance theuser's enjoyment and realistic operation of the model train(s) 11.

Spread Spectrum Signalling

A description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention,wherein commands are transmitted by the user to the model train throughspread spectrum signalling, will now be described. It should beunderstood that the following description describes one method ofemploying spread spectrum signalling. Other methods of spread spectrumsignalling may also be used, and are considered within the scope of thepresent invention. The following description should therefore beconsidered illustrative, not limiting.

The present invention, in its preferred embodiment, uses spread spectrumsignalling because model trains generally operate in a “noisy”electrical environment. Spread spectrum signalling utilizes an increasedbandwidth technique in order to protect the integrity of the originalsignal and prevent the original signal from being distorted or changedby electric noise in the operating environment.

The operation is as follows. The user enters a command on the remotecontrol 16 to be carried out by the model train 11. The command istransmitted by the remote control 16 through radio frequency signals(or, in alternate embodiments, any other type of wireless transmission)to the TIU 12. The transceiver 120 in the TIU 12 receives the commandand passes it to the processor 121 (FIG. 3). The processor 121 convertsthe command into a data transfer packet which contains a data streamrepresenting the command. Each command will be prefaced with a preamble(typically one byte long) that is a fixed series of digital “1”s and“0”s. The preamble is used to achieve code and bit synchronization priorto receiving data. The data stream is therefore a series of digital bits(“1” and “0”). A typical command may comprise 4 to 8 bytes of data.During streaming sound operation (described in detail below), thetypical sound packet may be much larger, on the order of 32 bytes. Itshould be understood, however, that the present invention comprehendsand encompasses within the claims hereto commands of any size andlength.

The data transfer packet is then passed by the processor 121 to thecommunication circuit 123. The communication circuit 123 is used in thepreferred embodiment to transmit and receive spread spectrum signals.

The communication circuit 123 receives the data transfer packet andconverts each databit in the data transfer packet into 31 “chips.” Thus,the chipping rate is 31 times the data rate. The chips make up apseudo-noise (P-N) code. The P-N code is a series of 31 “1”s and “0”s.The P-N code is fixed and does not change. Thus, each databit “1” in thedata transfer packet is converted into the same 31-bit P-N code. Thedatabit “0”s are converted into the P-N code in inverted fashion; thatis, if the first four chips of the P-N code are 0-1-1-0, for example,the first four chips of the P-N code inverted are 1-0-0-1.

A simple four-byte command, 32 data bits, in the data transfer packet istherefore converted into 992 chips, which means that it takes 992 chiptimes for a 4-byte command to be output by the communication circuit123. In the preferred embodiment, the chipping rate is 3.75 MHz. Theactual data rate is thus 3.75 MHz divided by 31, or 121 KHz.

The communication circuit 123 passes the P-N codes to a transceiver 127(the transceiver may be a part of the communication circuit or aseparate element) that continually outputs the P-N codes representingthe databits in the data transfer packet. This process continues untilthe data transfer packet has been sent. At that point, the transceiver127 is turned off, and no further P-N codes are transmitted. The P-Ncodes are coupled to the track 10 in streaming fashion.

The foregoing description represents the “transmitting” side of thespread spectrum signalling embodiment. What follows is a description ofthe “receiving” side. The receiver circuit 201 on the printed circuitboard 20 (FIG. 4) located inside the model train 11 picks up the P-Ncodes from the track. The receiver circuit 201 passes the P-N codes tothe communication circuit 202.

Inside the communication circuit 202 is a 31 bit shift register 2022(see FIG. 15 a). As the P-N codes come into the communication circuit202 at the chipping rate of 3.75 MHz, they are shifted through the 31bit shift register 2022.

Parallel to the 31 bit shift register 2022, there is a 31 bit memory2024 that is permanently loaded with the original 31 bit P-N code innormal, noninverted fashion. (The 31 bit memory 2024 can be anystructure capable of permanently retaining the P-N code, such asanother, fixed 31 bit shift register or a suitable hard-wiredconfiguration). Between the 31 bit shift register 2022 and the 31 bitmemory 2024 are a series of exclusive-or (XOR) gates (collectivelylabelled 2026). The inputs to the first XOR gate are the first stage ofthe 31 bit shift register 2022 and the first stage of the 31 bit memory2024. The inputs to the second XOR gate are the second stage of the 31bit shift register 2022 and the second stage of the 31 bit memory 2024,and so on. The XOR gates output a “1” when the inputs are different, andoutput a “0” when the inputs are the same. There are 31 XOR gates 2026,corresponding to the 31 bits in each of the 31 bit shift register 2022and the 31 bit memory 2024.

An adder 2028 is connected to the 31 XOR gates 2026. The adder 2028counts the outputs of the XOR gates 2026 in order to determine how manyof the outputs from the XOR gates were “0”. The output from the adder2028 is therefore a number from 0 to 31; for example, if the output fromthe adder is 14, the communication circuit 202 knows that the output at14 of the XOR gates was “0”.

As the data is clocked through the 31 bit shift register 2022, theoutputs from the XOR gates 2026 will change with each clock pulse.Accordingly, the output from the adder 2028 will also change. When theP-N codes in the 31 bit shift register 2022 match the P-N codes in the31 bit memory 2024, the outputs of the XOR gates 2026 will all be “0”and the output of the adder 2028 will therefore be 31. At this point,the communication circuit 202 determines that the incoming data iscorrelated, i.e., the communication circuit 202 is now synchronized withthe incoming data.

The communication circuit 202 now knows that every 31 st clock pulsewill be a databit in the original data transfer packet. Thecommunication circuit 202 thereafter samples the output of the adder2028 at every 31 st clock pulse after correlation. This is done bysumming the outputs of the XOR gates 2026. If the total is 16 orgreater, the communication circuit 202 determines that the originaldatabit in the data transfer packet was a “0”. If the total of theoutputs from the XOR gates is 15 or less, the communication circuitdetermines that the original databit was a “1”. The reasoning for thisis as follows: the P-N code loaded into the 31 bit memory 2024corresponds to a databit “1”. The more matches there are between the P-Ncodes passing through the 31 bit shift register 2022 and the 31 bitmemory 2024, the more likely it is that the original databit was a “1”.Because a match at the inputs of the XOR gates results in the XOR gateoutputting a zero, if the P-N codes in the 31 bit shift register 2022exactly match the P-N code in the 31 bit memory 2024, the outputs of all31 XOR gates will be zero and the sum of the outputs of the XOR gateswill also be zero. The communication circuit 202 would therefore knowthat the original databit representing a portion of the command was a“1”. Thus, a majority of matches from the XOR gates results in a totalsum of the outputs being 15 or less. The communication circuit 202interprets that result to be a databit “1”. A minority of matches, incontrast, results in the total sum of the outputs of the XOR gates being16 or higher, which the communication circuit 202 will determine to be adatabit “0 ”.

In this fashion, the communication circuit 202 constructs the originalinformation in the data transfer packet in binary form. When thecommunication circuit 202 reads a series of “1”s and “0”s thatcorresponds to the preamble, the communication circuit 202 then knowsthat the remaining “1”s and “0”s represent the command entered by theuser. The communication circuit 202 provides the command to theprocessor 200. The processor 200 thereafter takes whatever action isnecessary that corresponds to the command (as discussed in more detailbelow).

The foregoing description of the spread spectrum signalling embodimentrepresents the ideal case. In actual practice, there is noise on therails and in the operating environment that can distort or change thevalues of the P-N codes. Recognizing that digital “1”s and “0”s areactually simply some voltage value, it is common for electrical noise tochange the voltage value of a binary signal to the point that it isindeterminant or false, that is, opposite of what it should be.Moreover, in the real world environment there are not instantaneouschanges from 1 to 0. Instead, there is a transition region from 1 to 0and from 0 to 1 wherein the value is indeterminant. Sampling a signalduring the transition region can result in faulty data. The end resultwith respect to all these problems is that the communication circuit 202may believe it is synchronized when in fact it is not, or it may notdetect synchronization. Obviously, this is undesirable, as it can resultin the entered command not being performed.

To overcome this problem, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention takes several precautions. First, the threshold fordetermining correlation between the P-N codes in the 31 bit shiftregister 2022 and the 31 bit memory 2024 is set to less than 31; anon-limiting example may be 28. Thus, if the outputs of the XOR gates2026 are such that at least 28 of the P-N codes in the 31 bit shiftregister 2022 match the P-N code in the 31 bit memory 2024, thecommunication circuit 202 will consider itself synchronized to theincoming data stream.

Another problem that must be overcome concerns the clock rate. The phaseof the clock signal is not known by the communication circuit 202. Inother words, data (P-N codes) could be shifting into the 31 bit shiftregister 2022 right when the P-N codes are in a transition region asdescribed above. In the transition region, the data is in effectundefined. Therefore, there is the possibility that undefined data isbeing sampled out of the 31 bit shift register 2022.

In order to solve this problem, the 31 bit shift register in the idealcase is replaced with a 62 bit shift register 2022′ (see FIG. 15 b) thatoperates at twice the chipping rate; i.e., data is shifted into the 62bit register 2022′ at a rate of 7.5 MHz. This in effect means that forany given stage in the 62 bit shift register 2022′,. the next stage is180 degrees out of phase. By this arrangement, if data is being clockedinto one stage of the 62 bit shift register 2022′ during transition, thesame data will be clocked into the next stage when it is stable. The 62bit shift register 2022′ therefore functions like two 31 bit shiftregisters: stages 1, 3, 5, . . . 61 of the 62 bit shift register 2022′act like one 31 bit shift register, and stages 2, 4, 6, . . . 62 actlike another 31 bit shift register that is 180 degrees out of phase withthe first.

The 62 bit shift register 2022′ is wired to the 31 XOR gates 2026 asexplained above, except that only odd shift register outputs are usedand the XOR gates 2026 provide an output at twice the rate of thatdescribed in the ideal condition. The outputs of the XOR gates 2026 aremonitored by the adder 2028 to determine when the predetermined number(in the above example, 28) of matches occurs in order to determinesynchronization.

In operation then, the communication circuit 202 will thereforedetermine when syncronization occurs by looking for 28 out of 31matches. It should be apparent that when synchronization occurs, thecommunication circuit 202 thereafter monitors the outputs of the XORgates 2026 after 62 clock cycles of the 7.5 MHz clock. The procedurethen is the same as described in the ideal case for clocking in theremainder of the data and determining the original command entered bythe user.

The communication circuits 123 and 202 in the TIU 12 and the engineboard 20 of the model train 11 respectively are capable of bothreceiving and transmitting spread spectrum signals in the above fashion.Therefore, once the processor 200 in the model train 11 determines whatthe command is, the processor 200 assembles an acknowledge packet, whichis intended to provide the TIU 12 and the remote control 16 with anindication that the command has been received. The acknowledge packet issent to the communication circuit 202 for conversion into spreadspectrum format as just described. This is then sent through the railsback to the TIU 12 where it is received and detected by the transceiver127 and communication circuit 123 in the TIU 12. The acknowledge spreadspectrum signal is decoded as explained above and the acknowledge signalis passed to the TIU processor 121. In this manner, all components ofthe model train system are aware of the operating conditions of themodel train at all times.

Sound System Features

Returning to FIG. 4 and the description of the printed circuit board 20in the model train 11, the processor 200 controls and drives the variouscomponent circuits located on the printed circuit board 20. For example,the processor 200 drives the operation of the lights located on themodel train 11 through the light driver circuit 204. The smoke system isoperated by the smoke system driver circuit 205 under command of theprocessor 200. The couplers are controlled by the processor 200 via thecoupler drive circuit 206. The train's motor is controlled by theprocessor 200 through the motor control 207. The sound system iscontrolled by the processor 200 through an audio amplifier/low passfilter circuit 208′, which is connected to a speaker 208″ (collectively,the “sound system circuit” 208).

Certain sounds for the model train may be stored in a flash memory 209,which in the FIG. 4 embodiment is connected to the processor 200. Theprocessor 200 is capable of retrieving one or more sound files from theflash memory 209, processing them, and outputting them to the soundsystem circuit 208. In an alternate embodiment, such as a system on achip configuration, the sound files are stored on the same integratedcircuit as the processor. The sound files may be output from theprocessor 200 through a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit 200′ foundin the processor 200, or by a digital to analog converter circuit (DAC)200′. The processor 200 is capable of manipulating the sound file datain order to generate various sound effects, such as Doppler, as will beexplained below.

The processor 200 is also capable of independently controlling thevolume of different processed sounds, in response to commands enteredfrom the user on the remote control 16. The user can also control a“master” volume control by having the processor 200 adjust the DCvoltage level of the audio amplifier 208′ found in the sound systemcircuit 208. Alternatively, the master volume may be controlled by theprocessor 200 limiting the pulse output level of the PWM circuit 200′.This allows the user to adjust the volume of different soundsindependently, and adjust the volume of the sounds as a whole. The usercan also cut all sounds by turning the master volume to its minimumlevel. It is also desirable for the printed circuit board 20 to have abattery backup or capacitors (not shown) in order to allow the sounds tocontinue for a fixed amount of time even after the power has beenremoved from the track.

Thus, according to the invention, a user may want the train 11 tocontinually play a “chuffing” sound when the train 11 is in motion. Theprocessor 200 will repeatedly retrieve the “chuff” sound file from theflash memory 209, process it, and feed it to the sound system circuit208. At the same time, the user may want the train 11 to play stationand status announcements (for example, “now arriving at Union Station;”“we are currently 60 miles from Baltimore,” etc.). The processor 200will retrieve the appropriate sound files, as described above. The usermay also want the train whistle to blow every 15 seconds. Once again,the processor 200 will retrieve the sound files. All these sounds willplay, at the same time, through the speaker 208″ in the sound systemcircuit 208.

At some point, however, the user may wish to lower the volume of the“chuff” sound in order to better hear the station announcements. Theprocessor 200 is capable of reducing the volume of the chuff sound andincreasing the volume of the station announcement sounds, whilemaintaining the volume of the whistle sound. Finally, the user maydesire to lower the volume of all the sounds simultaneously, which theprocessor 200 accomplishes through the master volume control.

As previously stated with respect to the above-described embodiment,sounds are stored in the flash memory 209 on the printed circuit board20 in the model train(s) 11. It is also possible that sounds are storedin a flash memory 125 located in the TIU 12 (see FIG. 3). In this way,once a user requests a sound on the remote control 16, the TIU processor121 retrieves the appropriate sound file from the TIU flash memory 125,relays it to the communication circuit 123 for conversion to a spreadspectrum signal, and sends it down the train track rails. The addressedmodel train 11 picks up the signal through the receiver circuit 201, andpasses it to the communication circuit 202 in order to retrieve thesound file embedded in the spread spectrum signal. The processor 200processes the sound file outputs it to the sound system circuit 208.

External Audio Feature

Although history has shown that the storage capacity of memory chipsincreases steadily as fabrication technology improves, there will alwaysbe a finite amount of memory available when an application requiresresident file storage. For example, in the present embodiment, therewill always be a limit on the amount of sound files that can be stored“on board” the model train 11 or in the TIU 12. The present inventionaddresses this issue by allowing a user to connect the model trainsystem to an external audio source. This is shown in FIG. 3, describednext.

As shown in FIG. 3, the TIU 12 is connected to an external audio source40 through standard left and right stereo jacks 126 or other suitableconnections. The external source 40 may be a CD player, DVD player,cassette player, mini-disc player, memory stick, mp3 player, or othersound source. Because the TIU 12 is also capable of communicating with acomputer 30, as explained above, the external source here may also be acomputer's hard drive or an open modem connection to the Internet viathe computer.

When the user desires to play the external audio source 40, he or sheenters an appropriate command on the remote control 16, which informsthe TIU 12 that it will be receiving sounds from the external audiosource 40. The TIU processor 121 then sends a command to the model train11 to stop playing any sounds previously commanded by the user. Themodel train 11 receives the “stop” command and stops playing all storedsounds.

Once the external audio source 40 is activated, the sounds “stream” fromthe external audio source 40 to the TIU 12 to the model train 11, wherethe sounds are heard emanating from the speaker 208″ on board the train11. In this way, the user will interpret “real-time” sounds coming fromthe model train 11.

This is accomplished through the use of the aforementioned spreadspectrum signals. The spread spectrum signal is capable of carryinglarge amounts of data, such as continuously played sounds from theexternal audio source 40. Moreover, the rate at which data is passedfrom the TIU 12 to the tracks in the form of spread spectrum signals isvery high (the aforementioned example being approximately 121 KHz). Thishigh data rate also allows for real-time sound to be sent down thetracks.

The sounds enter the TIU 12 from the external audio source 40 as linelevel audio via the aforementioned left and right stereo jacks 126 orother connections. The TIU processor 121 samples the sounds and convertsthem into digital data (by a standard A/D converter, not shown), whichis passed to the communication circuit 123. The communication circuit123 then embeds the digital sound data into a spread spectrum signalwhich is sent out to the train track rails as previously described. Themodel train receiver circuit 201 picks up the spread spectrum signal,and passes it to the train communication circuit 202, which decodes thedigital sound data from the spread spectrum signal. The communicationcircuit 202 passes the digital sound data to the processor 200. Thetrain processor 200 then converts the digital sound data into analogform through a DAC and passes the analog signal to the sound systemcircuit 208, which plays the analog sound through the speaker 208″. Thisprocess repeats itself at a high enough rate that the user hearscontinuous sounds playing from the model train 11.

In this embodiment, the sounds from the external audio source 40 areconverted into ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation)format at a rate of 4 bits/sample and 11,000 samples/second. Thisrequires a data rate from the TIU 12 to the train track rails of atleast 44,000 bits/second. The aforementioned illustrative data rate of121 KHz meets this requirement.

The left and right stereo sounds received by the TIU 12 via the left andright stereo jacks 126 are added by the TIU processor 121 and output tothe tracks in mono form. As described previously, the user can adjustthe master volume of the model train 11 in order to increase or decreasethe volume of the sound output by the model train 11.

It should be apparent that the present invention provides the user witha number of exciting options. For example, the user may connect the TIU12 to a CD player and have the model train “play” the user's favoritesongs. The user may have a unique pattern of train sounds specificallycreated by the user and stored on the user's computer hard-drive. Thisinvention enables the user to play his or her customized “train soundtrack” through a model train 11.

The system disclosed herein provides other sound possibilities. Forexample, the external audio source 40 may be a microphone. Following thesame steps as described above, the user may speak into the microphoneand have his or her own voice transmitted down the train track rails bythe TIU 12 (via spread spectrum signals), where it will be converted bythe train communication circuit 202 and processor 200 and played throughthe sound system circuit 208 on the model train 11. In place of anexternal microphone, the present invention also contemplates having amicrophone 166 built into the remote control 16, which the user couldturn on with one of the push buttons 162 on the remote control 16, andthen speak directly into the remote control microphone 166.

Through this feature of the present invention, the user can be the train“engineer” and announce train station stops, status updates, etc. Ofcourse, this feature also enables the user to playfully interact withother people in the room. For example, the user may have the train 11say “happy birthday” to someone else in the room, or have the train 11call to the family dog. The possibilities are endless, and the foregoingare merely examples.

Custom Sound

Another aspect of the present invention allows users to store their owncustom sound files in the flash memory 209 located in the model train 11on the printed circuit board 20. In an alternative embodiment, thecustom sound files are stored in the flash memory 125 located in the TIU12. The general concepts are the same for both embodiments.

The user is capable of entering a “record” command on the remote control16. The record command is sent via the RF signals to the TIU 12, whichembeds the command into a spread spectrum signal and passes the commanddown the rails to the model train 11. The command is received andprocessed by the receiver circuit 201, communication circuit 202, andtrain processor 200, respectively. The processor 200 then checks theflash memory 209 on the printed circuit board 20 for available capacity.Assuming there is capacity, the processor 200 creates a sound file inthe flash memory 209 and assigns a ID to the file. The flash memory 209then is placed in “record” (or “store”) mode and awaits sound data.

The sound data can come from any of the above-described sourcesidentified with respect to the external audio source 40, i.e., CDplayers, tape players, mini-disc players, mp3 players, memory sticks,computer hard-drives, Internet websites, or someone's voice via themicrophone. After the user enters the “record” command on the remotecontrol 16, the user then enters the command informing the TIU 12 thatsounds will be coming from the external audio source 40. The sounds fromthe external audio source 40 are embedded as digital data into a spreadspectrum signal by the communication circuit 123. The signal is passeddown the train track rails where it is received by the model train 11.The train's communication circuit 202 and processor 200 decode the sounddigital data from the spread spectrum signal and pass it to the flashmemory 209, where it is stored as digital sound data in the newlycreated sound file. When the user enters the “stop recording” command onthe remote control 16, the processor 200 stops the flow of data into thesound file. In one embodiment, the sound file is recorded on the flyinto the flash memory 209 in the engine board 20. In another embodiment,the sound file may first be stored in the flash memory 125 in the TIU12, and then transferred at a later time into the flash memory 209 inthe engine board 20.

The flash memory 209 now has a unique sound file recorded by the user.The train processor 200 passes the ID of the unique sound file to theTIU 12 in an information packet through the track rails, and the TIU 12passes the information on to the remote control 16 via RF signals. Theremote control 16 can then provide the user with the ID of the newlycreated sound file so that the user can recall that ID on the remotecontrol 16 when he or she wants the train 11 to play the unique soundfile. Alternatively, the user can assign an ID to the recorded soundfile on the remote control 16 (for example, pressing a combination ofthree push buttons 162 on the remote control 16 will activate therecorded sound file). The user-assigned ID is then passed along to thetrain processor 200, which stores the user-assigned ID in memory andactivates the recorded sound file when the user-assigned ID is enteredon the remote control 16.

In the alternative embodiment, where the recorded sound file is storedin the flash memory 125 in the TIU 12, the system works substantiallythe same way. In this embodiment, however, the TIU processor 121converts the sounds to be recorded into digital data and stores them ina sound file created in the TIU flash memory 125. When the user wishesto have the recorded sound file played, the TIU processor 121 retrievesit from the flash memory 125 and passes it to the communication circuit123, which embeds the digital sound data from the sound file into aspread spectrum signal. This is then output to the train track rails,where it is picked up and played by the model train 11, as has beenpreviously described.

This “recording” feature also expands on the capabilities of the modeltrain system for the user. For example, a user may sing “happy birthday”to his or her daughter and store the song in a sound file in the flashmemory (125 or 209). When the daughter enters the room, the user canactivate the sound file and the daughter will hear the train “sing”happy birthday to her.

Another example concerns new train sounds. Model train makers areconstantly searching for new and different sounds that simulatereal-life train sounds. A manufacturer may make an upgrade availablewith new sound files. With the present invention, the user couldpurchase a CD (for example) having the new sound files, and record thenew sound files from the CD to the flash memory (125 or 209).

Further, because of the present invention's capability of interactingwith a computer 30, the manufacturer may make the new sound filesavailable for download from the manufacturer's Internet website. Theuser can connect the model train system to his or her computer, accessthe website, and download the new sound files directly into the flashmemory (TIU 12 or model train) using the “record” feature.

Returning to the ability of the present invention to play streamingsounds from an external audio source 40, the embodiment described aboveuses the spread spectrum signaling method to digitize the sound andprovide it to the train processor 200. The train processor 200 thenconverts the digitized sound to analog for playing through the soundsystem circuit 208. In an alternate embodiment, the present inventiondoes not digitize the streaming sound. This may be referred to as the“analog” embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 a.

The setup for the analog system is similar to that shown in FIG. 3. TheTIU 12 is connected to an external audio source 40, as described above.In this embodiment, rather than converting the audio signal into digitaldata for embedding into a spread spectrum signal, the TIU 12 uses FMmodulation techniques. In one non-limiting example, the audio signal isFM modulated at a frequency of 10.7 MHz. The peak frequency deviation isabout 40 KHz. This was chosen because it is similar to modulation usedfor FM radio when only a mono receiver is used. It should be understood,however, that other frequencies and deviations may be used, and areconsidered within the scope of the present invention.

In this embodiment, it is contemplated that an FM signal transmitter 127is housed in the TIU 12. In the preferred embodiment, the TIU 12 has twoinputs 126 for audio in, although one input is also possible, as is morethan two. In the preferred embodiment of two inputs, one is line leveland the other is microphone level. When an audio signal is presented ateither one of these inputs, the FM signal transmitter 127 is enabled. Inthis embodiment, there is a delay between the end of the audio signaland the disabling of the FM signal transmitter 127. This is done so thatthe silence between songs on a CD or other source will not cause themodel train 11 to return to playing normal train sounds, such aschuffing.

The FM signal transmitter 127 may be any suitable one available in theart. An acceptable FM signal transmitter 127 consists of a 10.7 MHz LCtransistor oscillator, an output driver, and a coupling power source. Avaractor in the FM signal transmitter 127 varies the transmitter'soutput frequency with changes in the audio input. The driver boosts thetransmitted FM signal and the coupling power source couples the 10.7 MHzsignal onto the train track rails.

In the analog embodiment, an FM receiver integrated circuit (IC) 210 islocated on the model train's printed circuit board 20. Once the FMreceiver 210 receives a 10.7 MHz signal, it signals the train processor200 to stop producing other sounds and the sound system circuit 208 isdriven by the output of the FM receiver IC 210. This is described inmore detail below.

The receiver circuit 201 picks up the FM signal from the train trackrails (in a three-rail system, this signal is found on the center rail).This signal is filtered in a 10.7 MHz ceramic filter 211. The filteredsignal is then passed to the FM receiver IC 210. Any standard FMreceiver IC 210 or circuit may be used for this purpose. Non-limitingexamples of such ICs are the Philips SA614 and the Motorola MC3371.

The FM receiver IC 210 receives the filtered signal and amplifies it.The amplified signal is then externally filtered in another ceramicfilter 212. The second filtered signal is then passed through a limiter213 and into a discriminator 214. The output of the discriminator is theaudio signal. This audio signal is muted if the received 10.7 MHz signalis not strong enough. If it is sufficiently strong, the audio signal ispassed to the sound system circuit 208 where it is amplified and playedthrough the speaker 208″.

Alternatively, the FM receiver IC 210 mixes the received filtered signaldown to 450 KHz. The source for the 10.24 MHz local oscillator is acrystal. The 450 KHz signal is then amplified and externally filtered inan LC filter 215. The second filtered signal then goes through a limiter216 and into the discriminator 217 where the audio signal is recovered.Once again, this audio signal is muted if the 450 KHz signal is notstrong enough. If the signal is strong enough, the audio signal thengoes to the audio amplifier where it drives the speaker 208″ in thesound system circuit 208.

Diagnostic Information

The ability of the present invention to communicate with a computer 30takes advantage of the two-way “handshake” capability between the TIU 12and the model train 11. As previously stated, the train processor 200 iscapable of outputting a large amount of information concerning thestatus of the model train 11. This information can be “uploaded” fromthe model train 11 via the TIU 12 to the Internet. Thus, a user having aproblem with a particular model train 11 can put the train 11 on thetrack 10 and connect the TIU 12 to a computer 30. Once the computer 30is linked to the Internet via a modem connection, the TIU 12 canretrieve operating information about the model train 11 from the trainprocessor 200 and upload that information to a troubleshooting website,manufacturing website, dealer website, or other location. A technicianat the other end can then retrieve and analyze the train information andpropose solutions to any operating difficulties the user is having. Itis also possible that the technician can download a software patch orother solution to the train 11 through the open modem connection, in themanner described above concerning the playing of sounds from an externalaudio source 40. Alternatively, a user may be able to download asoftware patch from a website directly.

Speed Concrol Overview

Another aspect of the invention, “speed control,” will be describednext. First, some background information concerning the state of theprior art is appropriate.

For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a traditional speed control for a modeltrain corresponding to the aforementioned “legacy mode.” A transformer 1powers the track 2 with AC/DC voltage. The AC/DC voltage is then feddirectly into the engine 3 of the train. The engine 3 includes a motordrive circuit 4 and a motor 5. The motor drive circuit 4 receives theAC/DC voltage and applies this to the motor 5 directly, or indirectlysuch as through rectification in the case of an AC track voltage and aDC motor.

In the aforementioned setup, speed control for the train is accomplishedby manual control of the output voltage supplied by the transformer 1. Auser may manually adjust the output voltage of the transformer 1, e.g.,using a control knob or throttle arm, to a predetermined value whichwould correlate with a desired speed for the model train. Accordingly,the higher the voltage output of the transformer 1, the faster the trainwill go.

The problems associated with the “legacy mode” of operation will now bediscussed with respect to FIG. 6. The graph shown in FIG. 6 compares theoutput voltage of the transformer 1 versus the resulting speed of thetrain. The transformer 1 can be adjusted from some non-zero startingvoltage 6. The gap between zero volts and the non-zero starting voltage6 is used as a signaling mechanism, whereby a train may interpretmomentary interruptions in track voltage as a command to shift to aneutral state or to change direction.

As is clear from the graph, the speed control of the trains in the“legacy mode” of operation in the prior art is dependent upon the loadof the train. The two lines represent the correlation between voltageoutput and speed for differing loads, one for light-load and one forheavy load. When an engine is lightly loaded (e.g., few or no cars,going downhill), less voltage is required to achieve a given speed.Accordingly, with increasing load (e.g., more cars, going uphill) morevoltage is required to maintain the given speed.

As evident from FIG. 6, train load is an important parameter for speedcontrol. As such, a given desired speed indicated by a “*” on FIG. 6will require two different voltages marked on the graph as “X”, onevoltage for low load and another voltage for high load. Accordingly, ifa user desires to accurately control speeds at desired values, he/shemust manually attempt to calculate and/or conduct repeated tests inorder to establish a look-up table/graph that will list the requiredvoltage for every known load. In effect, a user would have to manuallyproduce data, similar to what is shown in FIG. 6, for every differentload they will operate with. It is quickly apparent that such anundertaking would be practically impossible.

Moreover, the resulting data (i.e., look-up table or chart) would stillnot take into consideration the inherent load changes that take effectwhile driving the train throughout the layout. In other words, the loadlines shown in FIG. 6 are based on the assumption that load will remainfixed in value (e.g., solely dependent on number of trains, etc.).However, in practice, load will continuously change while driving thetrains throughout the layout in response to certain factors related tothe layout; for example, going up or down a hill or around a curve.Therefore, even if a user could produce a look-up table or chart, theuser would still not be able to automatically maintain a constant speedthroughout the entire layout. Additionally, it should be noted that itis typical for there to be large variations between train engines(particularly from different manufacturers). Thus, manual control of thespeed of one engine will not apply to other engines.

An additional limitation of the “legacy mode” of operation occurs atrelatively slower speeds. At a given load, only a portion of the powersource's voltage range can be used to operate an engine over the desiredspeed range. As shown in FIG. 6, the load lines do not extend to a pointwhere either the voltage or the train speed is zero. This is because thetrain must initially be supplied with sufficient voltage to overcomestatic friction between the train and the track. Once the train beginsto move, the slope of the line representing the correlation of speed vs.voltage is larger as a result of the smaller amount of dynamic friction;hence, it is difficult to control the train at low speeds.

Specifically, small manual adjustments using a power source's controlknob or throttle arm cause dramatic changes in speed, thereby making itis difficult to achieve or maintain consistent slow speed operation.Moreover, a slow-moving engine stalls at curves or when climbing a hillbecause the supplied voltage cannot provide enough motor current toovercome the additional torque. Once stalled, the voltage must beincreased to supply enough current to again overcome or break throughthe static friction. Additionally, in the case of lightly loadedengines, the power source voltage itself may drop out as the speed ofthe engine is lowered.

In summary, the “legacy mode” speed control in the prior art does notautomatically provide a constant speed around the track regardless ofstatic and dynamic load changes. Moreover, the prior art provides poorspeed control at slow speeds, resulting in a jerk, snap-type motion whenmoving the trains from rest or relatively slow speeds.

Turning to FIG. 7, the novel speed control system of the presentinvention will be described in more detail. Importantly, this method canbe used with existing power sources. Generally, the speed control systemof the present invention comprises a feedback loop that maintains aconstant desired speed of the train regardless of motor imperfectionsand/or load variations such as adding cars, climbing a hill ortraversing a curve.

The motor control 207 includes a motor drive circuit 2071, a motor 2072and a speed sensor 2073. The motor drive circuit 2071 includes abidirectional pulse width modulation circuit (“PWMC”) 2071′ illustratedin FIG. 8. The PWMC 2071′ includes a two-transistor with relay “H”bridge which provides bi-directional drive to the DC motor. The bridgeis pulse-width-modulated at a fixed and inaudible frequency ofapproximately 20 kHz. The single-ended bus voltage to the bridge isrectified from an AC track voltage. The “H” bridge configuration permitsforward or backward drive to the motor. The “H” bridge is commonly usedand maintaining this topology allows the processor 200 to emulateexisting variable track voltage speed control systems by completelyenabling the forward or reverse bridge paths without modulation. In thismanner, the motor drive will be directly proportional to the rectifiedtrack voltage and will emulate the behavior of legacy systems, therebymaking the SCS control easily adaptable with existing systems.

The PWMC 2071′ functions to alter the duty cycle at which the trackvoltage is pulsed into the motor 2072. Accordingly, at any given trackvoltage, the PWMC 2071′ can control the train speed by changing the dutycycle at which the voltage is applied to the motor.

The processor 200 senses the motor speed via the speed sensor 2073 andmodulates the turn-on interval or duty-cycle of the “H” bridgetransistors to modulate the current applied to the motor 2072. With astriped speed sensor 2073, the processor 200 accumulates the transitionsin a fixed control interval. The processor 200 compares the number oftransitions with the commanded speed scaled to transitions per controlinterval.

For example, if the fixed interval is 57 milliseconds, then a 10 mphscale speed would generate 40 transitions per interval using a 24-stripesensor. The error is used to proportionally increase or decrease theduty-cycle to the motor 2072. Additionally, the acceleration isestimated by comparing the transition count from the present timeinterval to the previous time interval. This acceleration is also usedto increase or decrease the duty-cycle. This implements a so-called PID(proportional-integral-derivative) control loop and can be statedalgorithmically as:D _(n) =D _(n−1) +k _(prop)*(S _(n) −S _(target))+k _(deriv)*(S _(n) −S_(n−1))where:

-   -   D_(n), D_(n−1), are the duty-cycle to the motor drive circuit        for the present and previous control interval    -   S_(n), S_(n−)are the sensed motor speed for the present and        previous control interval    -   S_(target) is the commanded target speed    -   k_(deriv), k_(prop) are weighting multiplier or “gains”

The weighting multipliers are not necessarily constant and may beadjusted as a function of target speed and sign of the difference valueto which they are applied. At slow motor speeds in particular, thecharacteristics of torque variations in brushed DC motors demand carefulselection of these multipliers.

Accordingly, the PWMC 2071′ serves the important function of controllingtrain speed independently of the voltage across the track. For example,if the track voltage is set at 20 VAC which equates to a set scale milesper hour (“smph”) (up to a maximum of 100 smph), then the PWMC 2071′ iscapable of increasing the speed of the train by increasing the dutycycle (i.e., increasing the time that the voltage is applied to themotor 2072) for the application of the 20 VAC to the motor 2072.Similarly, the PWMC 2071′ can reduce the speed of the train (to aslittle as 1 smph) by decreasing the duty cycle. The PWMC 2071′ thusenables the processor 200 to adjust the speed of the train over a widerange with the same track voltage.

When desired to run in “legacy mode”, the user enters the request on theremote control 16, which will send a signal to the processor 200 in theprinted circuit board 20 of the train(s) 11. Accordingly, the processor200 sets the PWMC 2071′ to a fixed maximum value that remains constantregardless of the actual speed of the train 11 sensed by the speedsensor 2073.

Speed Control—Conventional Mode

The general functional and operational interrelationship between theelements of the novel speed control of the present invention will now bediscussed with respect to “Conventional Mode”. It should be noted thatthe following description is for exemplary purposes only and thatalternative operational sequences are possible.

Returning to FIG. 7, the power source 14 supplies a voltage across thetrack. The amount of voltage applied to the track is directly related tothe desired speed for the train(s) on the track, as will be discussed inmore detail below. The track voltage will be picked up by rollers (notshown), which also pick up the digital commands sent by the TIU 12 asdiscussed above, on the underside of the train(s) 11. The track voltageis sampled by an A/D converter 310 which then converts the voltage intoa digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the processor 200.Accordingly, the digital signal represents a speed command of the user.That is, the track voltage set by the user is indicative of the user'sdesired speed for the train(s) 11 (more voltage=more speed). Theprocessor 200 utilizes the sampled track voltage to access a look-uptable stored in memory that indicates what the speed of the train shouldbe at the sampled track voltage. The looked-up speed corresponding tothe sampled track voltage becomes the user's desired speed. Theprocessor 200 also receives a signal from the speed sensor 2073 which isindicative of the actual train speed. The processor 200 compares thedesired speed (i.e., speed command) with the actual speed and adjuststhe duty cycle accordingly. The look-up table applies to all trainsequipped with the present invention so that the resultant speeds are thesame.

An example of operation will now be discussed. To begin, a user manuallyadjusts the power source 14 to a given voltage corresponding to adesired speed. Under normal conditions (i.e., constant load, etc.), thetrain(s) 11 will gradually reach the desired speed. However, when thetrain(s) 11 traverses a curve or goes up/down a hill, or box cars areadded, the load will change. Accordingly, the set voltage and defaultduty cycle will no longer be capable of maintaining the desired speed.

In the “legacy mode” of the prior art control systems discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 5, when a user set the track voltage by manuallyadjusting the transformer 1 for a desired speed, if the load on thetrain increased, the user had to again increase the track voltage bymanually adjusting the transformer 1 in order to maintain the desiredspeed. As was seen in FIG. 6, this resulted in a speed control systemthat was dependent upon the load, leading to an inefficient andimpractical speed control scheme where the user must continuously adjustthe track voltage to maintain a desired speed.

In contrast, the present invention automatically provides a constantspeed for the train 11 independently of any load changes (withinlimitations set by the available power supplied to the track).Consequently, once the user sets a desired speed (i.e., by manuallysetting a voltage), the system will maintain that speed.

Returning to FIG. 7, how the present invention automatically maintains aconstant speed independently of load will now be explained. The speedsensor 2073 is coupled to the motor 2072. The speed sensor 2073 ispreferably a flywheel that is attached to the motor shaft (not shown)thereby rotating at the same rate as the motor 2072, so as to measurethe angular rotation of the motor 2072. Either a reflective ortransmissive optical sensing method can be employed depending on theavailable space in the engine housing. The reflective method uses an LED(not shown) to illuminate the flywheel which is marked with alternatingreflecting and non-reflecting stripes. As the flywheel turns, aphotodetector detects the rate of optical transitions thereby indicatingspeed. Alternatively, the transmissive method attaches a circular diskwith radial stripes or spokes to either transmit or block the LEDillumination. Further, the motor shaft can itself be marked similarly tothe flywheel. The gear ratio for typical model engines is ¼″ of trackmotion per motor revolution. For 1/48th scale, 1 mph is equivalent to1.47 motor revolutions/sec. For example, if the flywheel is marked with24 stripes or spokes, there will be 48 transitions per revolution or70.6 photodetector transitions per scale MPH.

Alternatively, the speed can be measured by sensing the per-revolutionvariation in motor current due to the self-commutation. Commutationcauses an instaneous, measurable change in current (sensed as a feedbackpulse) as windings move to the next brush in motors. This occurs a fixednumber of times per motor revolution. Since the commutation sequencerepeats with each revolution, there is a discrete number of feedbackpulses per revolution, which, in essense, is an odometer. The processor200 can sense the motor current through a sense resistor (not shown) andalgorithmically estimate the speed. The back-emf of the motor 2072 canoptionally be simultaneously sensed to improve the estimate. Theadvantage of this speed sensing method is that it can be retro-fittedwithout modifying the motor mechanical assembly; as such, it iscompatible with existing motors.

Another method of sensing the motor speed is the use of a magnetic halleffect sensor or switch that comprises a magnetic ring with bands ofalternate polarities. The speed at which the polarities change ismeasured, in a manner similar to the optical flywheel described above.

The desired track voltage is sampled by the A/D converter 310 andconverted into a digital signal for outputting to the processor 200.This. digital signal represents the desired speed. Accordingly, theprocessor 200 is made aware of the desired speed for the train(s) 11.The speed sensor 2073 will continuously monitor the motor speed as anindication of the train speed and output this reading into the processor200.

Accordingly, the processor 200 will adjust the duty cycle according to acomparison that is made between the desired speed represented by thetrack voltage and the actual speed sensed by the speed sensor 2073.

For example, if a user enters on the remote control 16 a desired speedof 10 smph, the power source 14 will output the corresponding voltageover the track (similarly, the user may manually set the power source 14at the desired voltage representing the desired speed). Accordingly, thetrain(s) 11 will gradually reach 10 smph at which point the measuredspeed and desired speed will have a substantially one-to-onecorrespondence and the processor 200 will maintain the current dutycycle. However, if, for example, the train(s) 11 goes up a hill, thesame track voltage will not be sufficient to maintain the desired speedbecause of the increase in load. As a result, the train will begin toslow down as it climbs the hill.

The speed sensor 2073 will immediately sense the decrease in motorspeed. Accordingly, when the processor 200 compares the desired speed(i.e., sampled track voltage) with the actual speed (from speed sensor2073), the processor 200 will know that the train(s) 11 is now goingslower than the desired speed. In response, the processor will increasethe duty cycle using the PWMC 2071′ and thereby increase the powerapplied to the motor 2072. This feedback loop will continue, with acontinuously increasing duty cycle, until the measured speed is again ina substantially one-to-one correspondence with the desired speed. Thesame process occurs when the train(s) 11 goes down a hill, except thatthe processor 200 will decrease the duty cycle.

Turning to FIG. 9, a curve illustrating the relation between speed andtrack voltage of the present invention is illustrated in comparison tothe conventional speed vs. track voltage curve shown in FIG. 6. As isevident, the speed control system of the present invention results in asingle curve that is independent of load, whereas the conventional speedcontrol system includes a line for each load (light-load and heavy loadshown). Accordingly, for every given track voltage, the presentinvention will maintain the corresponding speed by continuouslyadjusting the duty cycle. The single curve derived from the speedcontrol of the present invention will always lie to the right of thelight/heavy load lines of the conventional system so that the processor200 can modulate the motor voltage at less than or equal to the maximumvoltage available.

It can be seen from FIG. 9 that the single curve of.the presentinvention is defined by three distinct regions. Region 1 defines thetrack voltage over which the train does not move (i.e., speed=0). Inother words, if a user manually turns on the power source 14 to a trackvoltage in Region 1, the processor 200 will direct the PWMC 2071′ to azero duty cycle. Therefore, the motor 2072 will not receive any power.Region 1 is set to be above the drop out voltage of the particular powersource in order to be compatible with the existing signaling method forinterrupting track voltage in order to make a transition betweenforward, reverse, or neutral modes of operation for the train. Region 2defines a gradual increase in speed with increased track voltage andRegion 3 defines an increased slope for the speed vs. track voltagecurve.

The reduced slope of Region 2 provides a significant advantage. Finitespeed changes at slower speeds are more noticeable than at fasterspeeds. For example, the change in speed that a car makes from 60 mph to65 mph is much less noticeable than a car that changes speeds from 5 mphto 10 mph. Accordingly, the reduced slope of Region 2 provides animproved resolution for slow speed operation. Moreover, all availablepower sources inherently have finite output impedance (i.e., meaningtheir voltage drops slightly with increasing load) causing loaddisturbance and/or change. The effects of such load disturbances and/orchanges are relatively higher for slow speed operation versus high speedoperation. Accordingly, the reduced slope of Region 2 helps mitigatethese effects on the desired speed of the train.

In fact, because the PWMC 2071′ is directed by the processor 200 tocontinuously modulate the voltage applied to the motor 2072, the presentinvention provides the capability to set forth any range of speed vs.track voltage curves by programming the processor 200 to control thePWMC 2071′ in the desired manner. For example, a user can providedramatic increases in speed (resulting in an increased slope) byincreasing the rate at which the duty cycle increases in response to anincreased track voltage. Similarly, a user can provide very fine speedadjustments by decreasing the rate at which the duty cycle increases inresponse to an increased track voltage. Accordingly, the accuracy andprecision of slow speed operation is significantly improved.

Speed Control—Command Mode

A discussion of the novel speed control of the present invention is nowdiscussed with respect to the “Command mode”, which can be selected viathe remote control 16. It should be understood that trains equipped withthe engine board 20 in FIG. 4 are capable of operating in either Commandor Conventional mode. The default is Command mode. However, a user maydisable Command mode by entering an appropriate command on the remotecontrol 16, at which point the train will operate in Conventional mode.Entering another command on the remote control 16 will return the trainto Command mode.

When in “Command mode”, the user will adjust the power source 14 suchthat the track voltage is set at a pre-determined maximum value (e.g.,the power source's maximum). Once the pre-determined maximum value forthe voltage across the track is set, the user no longer needs to adjustthe track voltage for changing speeds.

Turning back to FIG. 7, the speed control system used in “Command Mode”is the same as used in the “Conventional Mode” and thereby operates inthe same manner. That is, the processor 200 compares the speed commandand the actual speed and adjusts the duty cycle to obtain the desiredspeed. However, in “Command Mode”, the speed command is no longer afunction of the track voltage selected by the user either directly orindirectly. As discussed above, the track voltage is set at apre-determined maximum. Instead, the speed command is directly inputtedinto the printed circuit board 20 of a particular train 11 from theremote control 16. Each train 11 has a unique digital address.Accordingly, a user will first input into the remote control 16 aspecific train 11 whose speed the user wants to change, and then inputsthe desired speed.

The remote control 16 will output a signal embedded with the digitaladdress and the desired speed into the TIU 12 and onto the track. Thesignal will “find” the train(s) 11 whose digital address matches the oneembedded in the signal. The signal will then be inputted into theprinted circuit board 20 of the selected train 11 and be fed into theprocessor 200.

At this point, the speed control feedback works similarly to the“Conventional Mode”. That is, the processor 200 receives the speedcommand in digital form. The A/D converter 310 samples the trackvoltage, which is set at the desired maximum voltage, and outputs asignal to the processor 200. The processor then compares the speedcommand to the maximum voltage and determines a duty cycle that willaccurately modulate the maximum track voltage to the motor 2072 in orderto achieve the desired speed. Accordingly, in “Command Mode”, a user canselect different speeds for every train 11 on the track by simply usingthe remote control 16.

Moreover, in “Command Mode”, the acceleration and deceleration at whichthe train(s) 11 reach the desired speed can be adjusted. In addition toa default acceleration/deceleration, there are a plurality of otheracceleration/deceleration rates that are stored in flash memory 209.More acceleration/deceleration rates can be added by inputting andstoring the desired rates using the remote control 16. The user simplyaccesses the appropriate file in the flash memory 209 related to theacceleration/deceleration rates and selects the desired rate. Evenfurther, the acceleration rates can be distinct and independent from thedeceleration rates, thereby allowing the user to have different ratesfor acceleration and deceleration.

Coupler Design

Another inventive feature of the present invention is a new couplerdesign. Couplers are used on model trains to connect a train to one ormore box cars, oil tankers, other trains, or other loads. The couplersalso connect between box cars, for example.

Turning to FIG. 10 a, a conventional mechanical coupler 100 forconnecting and disconnecting trains is illustrated. The main componentsof the conventional mechanical coupler 100 include a knuckle 101, aknuckle spring 102, a knuckle pin 103, a housing 104, a housing lock pin105, a latch member 106, a latch member hole 107, a latch member spring108, a latch pin 109, a latch plate post 110, a latch plate 111, aknuckle latch ramp 112 and a knuckle latch notch 113. FIG. 10 billustrates a bottom view of the latch member 106 taken from FIG. 10 a.The operation and functionality of each of the components of theconventional mechanical coupler will now be described.

FIGS. 11 a through 11 c illustrate the process by which two trains arecoupled together. FIG. 11 a shows two conventional mechanical couplers100 on different trains (not shown) in the unlocked open position, whereone train is approaching the other. Each knuckle includes two arms 101′and 101″. Knuckle arm 101″ includes on an outer portion thereon theknuckle latch ramp 112 and the knuckle latch notch 113. The knuckle 101is rotatable about the knuckle pin 103 and is biased open by knucklespring 102 (bias illustrated by semi-circular arrow in FIG. 11 a).Turning to FIG. 11 b, the user will direct one of the trains into theother such that the respective knuckle arms 101′ pass each other andcome into contact with an inner surface 104′ of the housing 104 of theother coupler 100. The contour of the inner surface 104′ of the housing104 causes the knuckle 101 to rotate about its knuckle pin 103 towardthe latch pin 109 that is positioned within an opening of the knuckle'shousing 104 (see FIG. 10 a). As seen in FIGS. 11 a through 11 c, therotation of the knuckles 101 will cause the knuckle latch ramp 112(shown in FIG. 10 a) on the respective knuckles 101 to engage the latchpin 109. This mechanical interaction between the knuckle latch ramp 112and the latch pin 109 will raise the latch pin 109 and latch member 106against the bias of latch member spring 108. When the knuckle 101 hasrotated a sufficient amount, the latch pin 109 will be forced into theknuckle latch notch 113 via latch member spring 108 so that the coupler100 will be locked in the closed position (see FIG. 10 a and 11 c).

The conventional mechanical coupler 100 can be opened in two ways:either by manually raising latch pin 109 out of knuckle latch notch 113,or by providing a magnetic pull on latch plate 111 to raise latch pin109 out of knuckle latch notch 113. The magnetic pull is derived from anelectromagnet (not shown) that is built into the track layout at a givenlocation. Accordingly, a user will need to position the train such thatthe latch plate 111 is positioned over the electromagnet. The user willthen energize the electromagnet for pulling the latch plate 111 towardthe electromagnet, thereby moving the latch pin 109 out of the knucklelatch notch 113. Once the latch pin 109 is raised out of knuckle latchnotch 113, knuckle spring 102 will force the knuckle 101 (and knucklelatch ramp 112/knuckle latch notch 113) back into the unlocked openposition (FIG. 11 a). When the manual or magnetic force is removed,latch member spring 108 will return the latch member 106 and latch pin109 back into their normal position (shown in FIG. 10 a).

One of the disadvantages of the conventional mechanical coupler 100 isthat, to unlatch a coupler 100, the user must either manually raise thelatch member 106 every time a de-coupling is desired, or place the trainprecisely in a particular position on the track so that the latch plate111 is located over an operating electromagnet. Furthermore, in order toprovide the remote de-coupling, a large electromagnet requiringsubstantial energy is required in order to overcome the frictionalforces resulting from the metal-metal contact between the variouselements (e.g., latch pin 109 and housing 104; housing lock pin 105 andlatch member 106; latch pin 109 and knuckle 101).

Turning to FIGS. 12 a through 12 c, the conventional solenoid coupler150 is illustrated. The conventional solenoid coupler 150 was designedto overcome the deficiencies of the conventional mechanical coupler 100.In particular, the conventional solenoid coupler 150 was developed toallow remote controlled de-coupling operations to take place anywhere onthe track. As shown in FIG. 12 a, the solenoid coupler 150 comprises ahousing 152 and solenoid coil 158. The conventional solenoid coupler 150further includes a knuckle 153, latch plunger 154, latch plunger spring155, knuckle spring 156 and knuckle pin 157.

FIG. 12 b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional solenoidcoupler 150 in the unlocked open position while FIG. 12 c illustrates across-sectional view of a conventional solenoid coupler 150 in thelocked closed position. Similarly to the conventional mechanical coupler100 discussed above (see, e.g., FIGS. 11 a-11 c), when two couplers 150are brought together, the respective knuckle arms 153′ will engage theinner surface 104′ of the other coupler 150, causing the respectiveknuckles 153 to rotate about their knuckle pins 157.

During initial rotation, the knuckle latch ramp 153′″ will contact thelatch plunger nubbin 154′, thereby pushing the latch plunger 154 againstthe latch plunger spring 155. When the knuckle 153 has rotated asufficient amount, the latch plunger nubbin 154′ will be forced by thelatch plunger spring 155 into the knuckle latch notch 153″ and thecoupler will be locked in the closed position (shown in FIG. 12 c).

With the conventional solenoid coupler 150, de-coupling is done remotelythrough electronic control. In particular, the solenoid coil 158 iselectrically energized by circuitry in the train, typically a capacitor(not shown), which is driven by the voltage through the tracks. One ofthe main problems with the conventional solenoid coupler 150 is theamount of voltage required to sufficiently energize the solenoid 158 fordriving the plunger 154. For example, it may take upwards of 12 voltsfor the solenoid 158 to provide the electromagnetic pull required tomove the plunger nubbin 154′ away from engagement with the knuckle 153.Additionally, a user would have to put the train in neutral in order tocharge the capacitor, and only after the capacitor was sufficientlycharged could the coupler be fired.

Accordingly, as discussed above with respect to the conventionalmechanical coupler 100, this results in inefficient, costly powerconsumption. In cases where the tracks provide the voltage used toenergize the solenoid 158 (without a capacitor), a user must providesufficient voltage on the track to effect a de-coupling operation.However, if the user desires to drive the trains at a slow speed whichrequires less than 12 volts, the user must speed up the trains byincreasing the track voltage solely for effecting the de-couplingoperation, and then reduce the track voltage to return to the desiredtrain speed/operating conditions. This results in an inconvenient andrepetitive process of speeding up and slowing down trains solely for thepurpose of de-coupling trains. Accordingly, there is a need in the artfor reducing the voltage required to energize the solenoid 158.

Turning to FIGS. 13 a through 13 g, the novel coupler 206 of the presentinvention is illustrated. The coupler 206 includes a coupler body 2061.The coupler body 2061 has two ends, one end 2061′ for connecting thecoupler 206 to the train and the other end 2061″ for connecting thecoupler 206 to another coupler 206 of a different train. The coupler 206is driven by a solenoid assembly 41; however, any conventional drivercan be utilized (e.g., DC linear motor). The solenoid assembly 41includes a bobbin 42, bobbin wiring 42′ and bobbin through-hole 42″, asolenoid back end 43, a solenoid sleeve 44 (see FIGS. 13 d, 13 e), and asolenoid forward end 45. The solenoid sleeve 44 surrounds the bobbinwiring 42′ while the solenoid back end 43 and solenoid forward end 45close the respective openings at the ends of solenoid sleeve 44.

The bobbin wiring 42′ includes at least one lead wire 46 extendingtherefrom which is connected to the coupler body 2061 via any knownsuitable means (e.g., soldering). The lead wire 46 receives a voltagefrom the track in order to provide power to the solenoid assembly 41. Asshown in FIG. 13 a, the solenoid assembly 41 is housed in an openportion of the coupler body 2061.

The coupler 206 further includes a plunger assembly 47. The plungerassembly 47 includes a plunger 48, a plunger cap 49 and a plunger spring50. The plunger 48 includes an enlarged diameter head portion 48′located at one end of the plunger 48 and another enlarged diameter ringportion 48″ located near the one end, thereby forming a groove 48′″therebetween. The plunger cap 49 is a hollow ring-shaped member with aninner circumferential surface 49′ defined therein. Extending radiallyinward from the inner circumferential surface 49′ is an annularprojection 49″. Accordingly, the annular projection 49″ of the plungercap 49 is tightly fit into the groove 48′″ of the plunger 48 thereforelocking together the plunger cap 49 and plunger 48. The plunger 48 andplunger cap 49 can also be formed from a single piece of material;however, the manufacturing cost may be increased and/or the benefits oflow friction material in the plunger cap 49 may be lost. The integrallyformed plunger 48 and plunger cap 49 define a gap 51 located between theinner circumferential surface 49′ of the plunger cap 49 and an outercircumferential surface of the plunger 48. The plunger spring 50functions to bias the plunger 48/plunger cap 49 toward a knuckle 53(described below) and away from the solenoid assembly 41. One end of theplunger spring 50 is seated against the solenoid forward end 45, and theother end of the plunger spring 50 is guided by the gap 51 to be seatedon the annular projection 49″.

The end 2061″ of the coupler body 2061 which connects to a coupler 206of another train includes a knuckle 53, a knuckle pin 54, and a knucklespring 55. The knuckle 53 includes therein a slot 53′ whosefunctionality will be discussed below. The end 2061″ of the coupler body2061 further includes two outwardly extending projections 56, 57 whichform a U-shape. The projection 56 has a cut-out portion extending intothe projection 56, thereby defining an opening 58 and two parallel arms59, 59′ (see FIG. 13 a). The two arms 59, 59′ each have a hole 70extending therethrough for receiving the knuckle pin 54. The opening 58is sized to receive a portion of the knuckle 53, which portion includesa hole therethrough for receiving the knuckle pin 54.

Accordingly, the knuckle 53 is attached to the coupler body 2061 byplacing the knuckle portion into the opening 58 and inserting theknuckle pin 54 through the respective holes 70 of the two arms 59, 59′and the knuckle portion. The knuckle pin 54 can be fixed to theprojection 56 using any suitable fastening means (e.g., washer). Theknuckle spring 55 is fitted between the knuckle portion and either arm59, 59′ of the projection 56 for biasing the knuckle 53 towards its openposition (i.e., rotated away from the coupler body 2061). Extending fromthe other projection 57 is an inner curved surface 57′ whose contoureffects the coupling of two couplers 206 as will be discussed below.

Operation and the functional relationship between the elements of thenovel coupler of the present invention will now be discussed withrespect to FIGS. 13 d and 13 e. The knuckle 53 can be in a closedposition shown in FIG. 13 d or an opened position shown in FIG. 13 e. Atleast one of the couplers 206 needs to be in the open position whencoupling of two trains 11 is desired. That is, the knuckle 53 of one orboth of the couplers 206 needs to be configured as shown in FIG. 13 e.

When two trains 11 are ready to be coupled together (i.e., the knuckles53 of the respective couplers 206 are facing one another), the userenters a command on the hand-held remote control 16 to move one of thetrains 11 towards the other (the user could of course also manuallybring the trains together). Similarly to the conventional solenoidcoupler 150, as the trains 11 approach one another, the knuckle arms 53″of each knuckle 53 pass each other and engage the inner curved surface57′ of the other coupler 206. Accordingly, the knuckles 53 are forced torotate about their knuckle pin 54 inward against the bias of the knucklespring 55. As the knuckles 53 rotate, the plunger 48 is forced towardthe solenoid back end 43 (i.e., the rotational motion of the knuckle 53forces the translational motion of the plunger 48). The knuckle 53slides across the enlarged diameter head portion 48′ of the plunger 48as the plunger 48 retreats downward against the bias of the plungerspring 50.

When the two trains 11 are pushed into each other a sufficient amount,the plunger cap 49 will fall into the slot 53′ of the knuckle 53.Accordingly, the plunger spring 50 will force the plunger cap 49 intothe slot 53′. As shown in FIG. 13 d, the plunger cap 49 serves as a stopfor preventing the knuckle 53 from rotating to the open position throughthe bias of the knuckle spring 55. As a result, each knuckle 53 islocked in the closed position, with the respective knuckle arms 53″ heldtogether in an overlapping manner (see dashed line in FIGS. 13 b,d,which represents another coupler 206). Accordingly, the two trains 11are coupled together in a simple, one step process of simply moving thetrains 11 against each other. In fact, a model train engine or carequipped with an open novel coupler 206 can latch and then unlatch withan open or closed novel coupler 206, conventional mechanical coupler 100or conventional solenoid coupler 150 on other train cars.

When the user wishes to de-couple the trains 11, he/she simply entersthe command on the remote control 16. The remote control 16 sends thecommand (via TIU 12) over the track as discussed above to the engineboard 20 and processor 200 thereon. The processor 200 receives thede-couple command and in response, pulses the track voltage to the leadwires 46 in order to energize the bobbin wiring 42′ of the solenoidassembly 41. Energizing the bobbin wiring 42′ generates a magneticfield. The magnetic field follows a path around the bobbin wiring 42′ ofthe bobbin assembly 42, through the solenoid back end 43, the solenoidsleeve 44, the solenoid forward end 45, the plunger 48, and through aminimized gap between the solenoid back end 43 and the plunger 48 (seeFIG. 13 g).

The magnetic field causes an attraction between the solenoid back end 43and the plunger 48 thereby pulling the plunger 48 toward the solenoidback end 43 against the bias of the plunger spring 50. The plunger 48will continue to move toward the solenoid back end 43 until the plungercap 49 engages the solenoid forward end 45, which serves as a stop forthe plunger 48, or when the knuckle 53 is released from the lockedposition. The distance between the plunger cap 49 and the portion of thesolenoid forward end 45 adjacent to the bobbin 42 is configured to besufficient to allow the plunger cap 49 to move out of the slot 53′ ofthe knuckle 53. Consequently, the knuckle 53 is forced outwardly awayfrom the coupler body 2061 by the knuckle spring 55. At that point, theknuckles 53 are in the open position and the trains 11 are allowed tode-couple.

As the knuckle 53 opens, the distance between the projection 57 and theknuckle arm 53″ increases (see transition from FIG. 13 d to 13 e). As aresult, the knuckle arm 53″ of one coupler 206 has sufficient room tomove out of engagement with the knuckle arm 53″ of the other coupler206. Moreover, a second knuckle arm 53′″ of one coupler 206 furtherfacilitates de-coupling by rotating into the knuckle arm 53″ of theother coupler 206 in the closed position, thereby pushing the knucklearm 53″ out of its closed position. It should be noted that the knuckleconfiguration of the present invention is such that only one bobbinwiring 42′ needs to be fired to actuate the de-coupling, although ifdesired, the bobbin wiring 42′ of both couplers 206 could be fired.

The coupler 206 of the present invention operates at significantly lessvoltage than the prior art due to its unique structure and mechanicalconnections. The present invention contemplates that the amount ofvoltage necessary to fire the couplers is approximately 6 volts, orabout half the amount of voltage necessary in the conventional solenoidcoupler 150. As a result, the coupler 206 can be opened at minimal trackvoltage without the need to first increase the track voltage to asufficient amount, or to place the train in neutral and use chargedcapacitors to provide sufficient voltage to operate the couplermechanism, as was required by the prior art.

Turning to FIG. 13 f and 13 g, the structural differences between thenovel coupler 206 (FIG. 13 g) and the conventional solenoid coupler 150(FIG. 13 f) which give,rise to the differing voltage requirements willnow be discussed. Both couplers draw voltage from the track to energizetheir respective solenoids for producing a magnetic field comprisingmagnetic flux lines. The magnetic flux lines run through the plunger tocreate a pull on the plunger in the direction of the magnetic fluxlines. The more flux lines produced and the more dense those flux linesare, the more magnetic pull applied to the plunger. Ideally, all fluxlines should run through the plunger in order to optimize the full pullforce available from the magnetic flux lines created by the solenoid.Accordingly, the novel coupler 206 of the present invention was designedand configured to increase the amount and density of magnetic flux aswell as to create a magnetic circuit that maximizes the amount of fluxlines that run through the plunger (as opposed to outside of theplunger).

In order to increase magnetic flux, the novel coupler 206 provides animproved “magnetic circuit” that incorporates ferromagnetic material.Specifically, each of solenoid sleeve 44, solenoid forward end 45,plunger 48 and solenoid back end 43 are made from ferromagnetic material(preferably, steel) for conducting the magnetic flux lines in anintimate closed circuit. Accordingly, a greater number of magnetic fluxlines that are more closely spaced (i.e., more dense) are produced.Furthermore, as the solenoid forward end 45 surrounds the majority ofthe plunger 48, the closed magnetic circuit produced by theconfiguration of the aforementioned elements of the novel coupler 206increases the number of flux lines that run through the plunger 48.

FIG. 13 g illustrates generally the magnetic flux lines produced by thenovel coupler 206 of the present invention (the thickness of the sleeve44 has been exaggerated to better illustrate the sleeve's ability tocontain essentially all the flux lines within its thickness). Incontrast, turning to FIG. 13 f, the magnetic flux lines produced by theconventional solenoid coupler 150 are both smaller in amount and morediffuse (i.e., less dense), resulting in a less-efficient conversion ofvoltage to magnetic pull. In addition, some of the flux lines runoutside of the plunger 154 (adjacent the plunger nubbin 154′), therebywasting a portion of the magnetic pull created by the solenoid wiring158.

Several factors contribute to this deficiency in the conventionalsolenoid coupler 150. Foremost among them is the lack of ferromagneticmaterial for conducting the magnetic flux lines. The only ferromagneticmaterial found in the conventional solenoid coupler 150 is in theplunger 154. The housing 152 is made from non-ferromagnetic material(e.g., zinc). Furthermore, there is no sleeve, solenoid forward end, orsolenoid back end to form a closed magnetic circuit around the solenoidwiring 158. Accordingly, as there is no structural boundary for which tocontain the magnetic flux lines, leaving only air as the magneticconductor (which is highly inefficient), the resulting magnetic fluxlines are diffused about a greater area surrounding the conventionalsolenoid coupler 150. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13 f, the magneticflux lines produced in the conventional solenoid coupler are far fewerand less dense than those produced in the novel coupler 206 of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 13 g. Because the end portion of theplunger 154 (including plunger nubbin 154′) is not surrounded by aferromagnetic material (which would have extended more of the magneticcircuit through the plunger 154), some flux lines are lost from theplunger 154 in the conventional solenoid coupler 150, as shown in FIG.13 f (flux lines moving away from plunger 154 before running completelythrough plunger 154).

As a result of the structural distinction between the novel coupler 206of the present invention and the conventional solenoid coupler 150, thenovel coupler 206 will produce significantly more magnetic pull with thesame amount of applied voltage. It follows that the novel coupler 206will require less voltage than the conventional solenoid coupler 150 toproduce the same magnetic pull. For example, if it takes 12 volts toprovide the needed magnetic pull for moving the plunger 154 out ofengagement with the knuckle 153 (thereby effecting a de-couplingoperation) in the conventional solenoid coupler 150, it would take onlyabout 6 volts in the novel coupler 206.

Moreover, the aforementioned difference in voltage requirements betweenthe conventional solenoid coupler 150 and the novel solenoid coupler 206is based on the assumption that the various mechanical interactions(e.g., plunger sliding on bobbin/housing, knuckle/plunger interface,etc.) result in the same frictional resistance in both couplers.

However, another advantage of the novel coupler 206 is the eliminationof metal-to-metal contact, which decreases wear/tear (improvingreliability) as well as decreasing the frictional forces that themagnetic pull needs to overcome for de-coupling the coupler. Theconventional solenoid coupler 150 does not include a bobbin andtherefore the solenoid wiring 158 is wrapped directly around the metal(e.g., zinc) housing 152. As a result, the steel plunger 154 is inbearing contact with the inner surface of the housing 152. Thismetal-to-metal contact increases the resistive frictional forces,thereby increasing the amount of magnetic pull needed to pull theplunger, as well as adding to the wear/tear of both the plunger 154 andthe inner surface of the housing 152.

In contrast, the novel coupler 206 incorporates a spool-like Acetalplastic bobbin 42 which holds the bobbin wiring 42′ around its outersurface. It should be appreciated that any low-friction plastic may beused (e.g., Nylon). Accordingly, the metal plunger 48 is in bearingcontact with the plastic inner surface of the spool-like bobbin 42within the bobbin through-hole 42″, resulting in less wear/tear andfrictional resistance.

Similarly with respect to the knuckle/plunger mechanical interaction,the conventional solenoid coupler 150 incorporates metal-metal contact(steel plunger nubbin 154″ and zinc knuckle 153). In contrast, theplunger cap 49 of the novel coupler 206 is made from low-frictionplastic (Acetal, Nylon, etc.), thereby inducing a plastic-metal contactbetween itself and the knuckle. As a result, the novel coupler 206greatly reduces the wear/tear and frictional resistance resulting fromthe mechanical movements within the coupler 206.

Other improvements and advantages of the novel coupler 206 will now bediscussed. The solenoid forward end 45 serves other important functionsin addition to completing the magnetic circuit for the flux lines. Inparticular, the solenoid forward end 45 serves as a bearing for theplunger cap 49, thereby guiding movement of the plunger assembly 47. Thesolenoid forward end 45 may be configured with an inner diameterslightly larger than the diameter of the plunger 48 in order to preventbearing metal-to-metal contact therebetween, further reducing frictionand wear. As a result of the bearing contact between the plunger cap 49and solenoid forward end 45 (which is also a plastic-metal interface forreducing frictional/wear), any side thrust force exerted on the plunger48 from the coupling operation will be absorbed at the end of theplunger 48 (as opposed to the portion of the plunger 48 just outside ofthe bobbin 42). This dramatically reduces any bending movement appliedto the plunger 48 which would otherwise damage the plunger 48 over time.In addition, the solenoid forward end 45 acts as a locating feature formounting the bobbin 42 onto the coupler body 2061. These combinedfunctions of the solenoid forward end 45 reduce tolerance buildups inthe overall design of the novel coupler 206. Even further, theconfiguration of the solenoid forward end 45 provides the capability toexclude the plunger spring 50 from the magnetic path (by functioning asa spring seat outside of the magnetic path; see FIGS. 13 d, 13 e),thereby allowing the magnetic path to incorporate as much steel aspossible. However, in the conventional solenoid coupler 150, the plungerspring 155 is positioned within the housing 152. This displaces steelfrom the magnetic circuit (e.g., by displacing a solenoid back end) ofthe conventional solenoid coupler 150, which contributes to fact thatthe magnetic path in the conventional solenoid coupler 150 isessentially all air (except for plunger 154). As discussed above, thesolenoid back end 43 of the novel coupler 206 closes the magneticcircuit and increases the amount of metal (e.g., steel) in the magneticcircuit (thereby increasing magnetic flux). As an additional enhancementfor the magnetic flux, the solenoid back end 43 includes a conical endshape 43″ that receives a corresponding conical end portion of plunger48. This configuration further minimizes air gaps in the magneticcircuit.

The plunger cap 49 provides several important functions, some of whichinclude: (1) acting as a seat and pocket for the plunger spring 50, (2)acting as a bearing for the end of the plunger assembly 47 contactingthe knuckle 53, (3) acting as a stop for the plunger assembly 47 whenthe bobbin wiring 42′ is energized (importantly, this function preventscontact between the plunger 48 and solenoid back end 43, which couldotherwise allow residual magnetic fields to keep the plunger 48 in theenergized position; i.e., precluding the ability to lock the knuckle 53in the closed position), and (4) acting as the surface which latchesinto the slot 53′ of the knuckle 53. It is preferred that the plungercap 49 be made of a one-piece construction, thereby minimizing parts andtolerances. The hole through the bobbin 42 serves as a bearing for theplunger 48. Thus, the plunger 48 motion is guided by plastic bearings,avoiding metal-to-metal contact with its consequential high frictionforces and wear. It is further preferred that the plunger cap 49 andbobbin 42 be made from Acetal Plastic or other low friction, high impactplastic (including but not limited to Nylon), thereby minimizingfriction in the bearing and latch functionality resulting in a furtherreduction in the voltage required to energize the bobbin wiring 42′.

In summary, the coupler 206 of the present invention providessignificant advantages over the conventional prior art couplers forseveral reasons. In particular, the construction of the coupler 206 ofthe present invention greatly reduces the frictional forces between themoving parts resulting from the locking and unlocking of the knuckle 53into and out of coupling position. Accordingly, the coupler 206 avoidsthe wear and tear inherent in the prior art couplers 100 and 150. Thesteel back end 43, sleeve 44 and front end 45 form a magnetic path withthe plunger 48 which greatly enhances the flux generated in the bobbinwiring 42′, compared to the prior art solenoid coupler 150. Thecombination of low friction and efficient magnetic path allow the novelcoupler 206 to operate under much lower voltage than the prior art. Thenovel configuration of the coupler 206 of the present inventiontherefore provides significant advantages over the prior art both in itsstructure and its function.

Smoke/Steam Unit

Yet another feature of the present invention is a new smoke/steam unitdesign. Various methods exist in the prior art for producing puffs of“smoke” or steam from the model train, in an effort to depict a realtrain working as it moves down a track. This application will refer tothe “smoke unit” hereafter, although it should be understood that thesame design and principles apply to “steam.”

Turning to FIGS. 14 a through 14 c, an exemplary novel smoke unit 144 ofthe present invention will be described. The smoke unit 144 includes tworesistors 80, 81, fiberglass material 82, an oil substance 83, and a fan84. One resistor 80 can also be used, preferably in combination with abiasing member 87 (as shown in FIG. 14 b), but two resistors will moresecurely hold the fiberglass material. The smoke unit 144 produces smokeby supplying the resistors 80, 81 with track voltage. Consequently, theresistors 80, 81 heat up and vaporize the oil substance 83 to producethe smoke while the fan 84 “puffs” out the smoke from the train.

The quantity of smoke outputted by the smoke unit 144 is directlyrelated to the power applied to the resistors 80, 81. That is, the morevoltage applied to the resistors 80, 81, the more smoke will beoutputted. The smoke unit 144 can be controlled in two modes, manual andautomatic. The user can select in which mode to operate by inputting thedesired mode on the remote control 16. In manual mode, the user willinput on the remote control 16 one of, for example, three possiblequantities of smoke: high, medium, and low (it should appreciated thatany number of quantities of smoke can easily be programmed into theprocessor). Accordingly, at any time during operation for any train(s),the user can initiate a smoke output.

For example, if the user wants one of the train(s) to puff a highquantity of smoke (e.g., when climbing a hill, implying the engine isworking hard), the user first inputs the digital address of the desiredtrain(s) (or, if the user desires all the train(s) to output the smoke,then he/she can go directly to the next step without indicating aparticular train). Next, the user enters the quantity of smoke desired(low, medium, and high) into the remote control 16.

The remote control 16 sends the request via RF signals to the TIU 12,which in turn sends the request to the track 10. The signal from the TIU12 searches for the selected train(s) via the digital address. Theprocessor 200 on the engine board 20 of the train(s) will interpret thesignal as a request for a low, medium, or high quantity of smoke.

The processor 200 adjusts the amount of voltage applied to the smokeunit 144, and thereby the quantity of smoke, by using a smoke systemdriver circuit 205 (see FIGS. 4 and 14 c) that comprises a pulse widthmodulator circuit 85 to adjust the time that voltage is applied to aresistor circuit driver 88, which controls the voltage applied to theresistors 80, 81. The fan 84 will be turned on via a fan motor drivecircuit 89, to puff out the smoke. Accordingly, the smoke unit 144 willbe able to produce the needed smoke independently of the track voltage.For example, if the track voltage is high but the request for smoke islow, the processor 200 will adjust the power applied to the resistors80, 81 by pulse width modulating the track voltage to decrease the timethe voltage is applied to the resistors 80, 81. Similarly, if the trackvoltage is low (e.g., in “Conventional” or “Legacy” mode, where thetrain(s) are moving at slow speeds), the pulse width modulator 85 willincrease the time the voltage is applied to the resistors 80, 81.Alternatively, the voltage applied to the resistors 80, 81 could also becontrolled by using a linear voltage regulator (not shown).

Another novel feature of the present invention is the fast response timeof the smoke system driver circuit 205. The smoke system driver circuit205 of the present invention uses an electronic brake (not shown)located in the fan motor drive circuit 89 to quickly stop or startblowing the smoke out of the smoke unit 144. In particular, theelectronic brake is a FET (not shown) that is placed across the fanmotor that will short out the motor when the user commands the smokeunit 144 to stop blowing smoke. As an alternative, the processor 200 canalso be programmed to momentarily reverse the voltage on the motor tostop the fan 84 even quicker. Accordingly, the smoke unit 144 willimmediately stop or start blowing smoke at the user's command. Inanother embodiment, the fan 84 would run continuously and a valve orshutter could be used to stop the airflow at the desired time, therebystopping the flow of smoke.

In automatic mode, the novel smoke system driver circuit 205 of thepresent invention will control the smoke unit 144 according to the speedand load of the train(s) in order simulate a realistic steam and/ordiesel train. In other words, the smoke will be outputted automaticallyat a rate and quantity that matches the current condition of thetrain(s), similarly to what takes place in a real-life train.

The rate at which the smoke is “puffed” out is dependent on the speed ofthe train(s). There are various types of trains, each having distinctqualities with respect to their respective smoking systems. A steamengine train will output discrete “puffs” of smoke in response to therevolutions on the wheel. For example, for every ¼ turn of a wheel, thesmoke unit 144 would output one “puff” of smoke (of course, theprocessor 200 can be programmed, via the remote control 16, to anycorrelation between the wheel revolutions and the number of “puffs”). Incontrast, a diesel engine train outputs smoke at a continuous rate. Thesmoke unit 144 of the present invention works under both conditions(discrete vs. continuous).

Accordingly, in steam engine mode (which can be selected using theremote control 16), the processor 200 will control the on/off switchingrate of the fan 84 based on the output of the speed sensor 2073. Thespeed sensor 2073, as discussed above, is a direct measure of therevolutions per minute (“rpm”) of the wheels of the train(s).Accordingly, if the speed sensor 2073 indicates that the wheels areturning at 100 rpm, then the processor 200 will command the fan 84 ofthe smoke unit 144 to turn on and off at 400 times/minute (100revolutions * 4 “puffs” per revolution). In diesel mode, the processor200 will use steady state control of the fan 84, as opposed to on/offswitching, to gradually increase the rate the smoke is outputted as thespeed of the train increases. This is accomplished by the PWM 85. (seeFIG. 14 c).

The operation of the smoke unit 144 in automatic mode with respect tothe quantity of smoke will now be discussed. In order to obtain thequantity of smoke to be output by the smoke unit 144, the processor 200will determine the load on the motor 2072 of a train(s) by calculatingthe power that is currently required to move the train(s) at a givenspeed. The calculated result is then compared to the “normal” powerrequired to move the train(s) at the given speed, which “normal power”is stored in flash memory 209 for the particular motor on the engineboard 20. This comparison will indicate to the processor 200 whether themotor 2072 is requiring more power or less power than normal to run atthe current speed. Accordingly, the processor 200 will implicitly knowthe load on the motor 2072 of the train(s). The processor 200 will thenautomatically operate the smoke unit 144 according to the load on themotor 2072.

An example will better illustrate how the smoke unit 144 controls thequantity of smoke in automatic mode. As discussed above, a userinitiates operation by inputting on the remote control 16 the desire forthe system to be in automatic mode for the smoke unit 144. Accordingly,when the train is running under normal conditions, the comparison of the“normal” power consumption of the motor 2072 at a given speed and theactual power consumption of the motor at the given speed will have aone-to-one ratio.

However, when the train goes up a hill, although the speed will remainthe same as a result of the novel speed control system of the presentinvention and therefore the rate of puffs will not change, the powerinputted into the motor will increase (which will be sensed by a voltagesensor for example) by virtue of the increased duty cycle. Accordingly,the processor 200 will deduce that the load on the motor 2072 hasincreased. As a result, the processor 200 will command that more voltagebe applied to the resistors 80, 81 by increasing the duty cycle via thepulse width modulator circuit 85 (the fan 84 will remain at the samerate because the train is moving at the same speed). The resistors 80,81 will get hotter and thereby release a more dense “puff” of smoke.Similarly, when going down hill, the reduced load on the motor 2072 issensed, the duty cycle reduced, and the resistors 80, 81 will get lesshot and thereby release a less dense “puff” of smoke. The density ofsmoke will be output in the same fashion regardless of being in dieselmode or steam engine mode.

Brake And Crash Sounds

Some other features of the present invention are now described. Theprocessor 200 can be directed by the user via the remote control 16 toautomatically retrieve, for example, a brake sound when the train slowsdown at a given rate. For example, if the track voltage (reflectinguser's desired speed) in “Conventional Mode” is reduced at a rate fasterthan 5 MPH/second, the processor 200 will. sense the deceleration usingthe feedback from the speed sensor 2073 and thereby retrieve therequisite sound file to play a “braking” sound. As another example, ifthe contact between the roller (not shown) of the train(s) which rollson the charged center rail is lost, for example if the train is derailed(i.e., speeding too fast around a corner, etc.), the processor 200 canbe programmed to retrieve a “crash” sound stored in the flash memory209.

Doppler Effect Features

Each of the sounds played through the train speaker 208″ can be modifiedto incorporate the Doppler Effect. A description of the Doppler effectcharacteristics of the present invention will now be provided. TheDoppler effect is a well-known principle that represents the change inpitch and volume that results from a shift in the frequency of the soundwaves as evidenced by the sound of an approaching object. A commonexample of the Doppler effect is experienced when an ambulance or firetruck approaches. As the vehicle approaches an observer, the sound wavesfrom the siren are compressed towards the observer. The intervalsbetween the sound waves diminish, which results in an increase in thefrequency or pitch of the siren. As the vehicle recedes past theobserver, the sound waves are stretched relative to the observer,causing a decrease in the pitch of the siren. Thus, by listening to thechange in pitch of a siren, the observer is able to determine if thevehicle is approaching or speeding away.

The most basic implementation of the Doppler effect in the presentinvention will be referred to as a “Doppler run.” FIG. 16 a graphicallydepicts the Doppler run mode. The user sets the volume of the trainsounds at some maximum arbitrary level, such as 75 dB (this is anon-limiting example only) from the remote control 16. As the modeltrain cycles around the tracks, the user enters the command for aDoppler run. This is based on a fixed distance that the train travels,and can be pre-programmed to any reasonable distance. As one example,assuming the model track layout is approximately 25 feet of track, thefixed distance could advantageously be programmed to be 25 feet.

Once the user enters the Doppler run command, the volume of the trainimmediately drops to a fixed attenuation level, for example, 40 dB. Thetrain processor 200 then monitors the distance the train travels (speedversus time) and causes the sound output from the train to rise from the40 dB level to the maximum arbitrary level of 75 dB. The maximum volumelevel is obtained at approximately the mid-way point of the fixeddistance (in the above example, at approximately 12.5 feet). The soundthen drops back to the attenuated level of 40 dB, which is reached whenthe train completes the fixed distance (in the given example, at thepoint where 25 feet of track has been traversed). The pitch of the soundbehaves in the same fashion, and is a function of the real-time speed ofthe train.

The Doppler run command allows a user to simulate the real-life Dopplereffect on the model train track layout 10. For example, assume that theuser has an observer stationed at one end of the track. At the pointwhen the train is the farthest away from the observer, the user entersthe Doppler run command. The sound of the train will immediately drop tothe attenuated level and shift the pitch according to the speed of thetrain, giving the observer the effect that the train is far off in thedistance. As the train approaches the observer, the sound increasesuntil the point when the train passes the observer, at which- point themaximum volume is reached. The pitch of the train increases as itapproaches and then drops to a zero shift at the point when the volumeis maximum. Once the train passes the observer, the sound immediatelybegins to decrease and the pitch is at a negative frequency shift (seeFIG. 16 d). Thus, the observer is left with a sense of the real Dopplereffect, as the train whooshes past the observer. The observer hears theoncoming sound followed by the receding fade in the same manner as aperson standing by a real set of train tracks.

The next embodiment of the Doppler effect in the present invention iscalled the “Doppler repeat.” This mode of operation is graphicallydepicted in FIGS. 16 b and 16 c. The user enters a “Mark Start” commandon the remote control. This resets an internal odometer inside the modeltrain. The odometer accumulates the distance travelled by the trainuntil the user enters a “Mark Repeat” command on the remote control. Theaccumulated distance from Mark Start to Mark Repeat is the “Dopplerloop.”

In operation, the user then enters the Doppler repeat command. Thevolume immediately drops to the far-off attenuation level, for example,40 dB, and the pitch shifts according to the train speed. The modeltrain processor then calculates the required distance for causing theDoppler peak to occur at the Doppler loop point. The volume willthereafter peak at every Doppler loop distance travelled, and the pitchshift will demonstrate the characteristics shown in FIG. 16 d, until theuser turns off the Doppler repeat command.

Chuff Sounds

Similarly to the smoke unit 144, the sound system circuit 208 can beprogrammed to automatically output sounds corresponding to the conditionof the train(s) 11. Specifically, every time the processor 200 sends a“puff” signal to the smoke system driver circuit 205 in response to thefeedback of the speed sensor 2073, the processor 200 will simultaneouslyretrieve from the flash memory 209 a “chuff” sound file. This chuffsound file is sent to the sound system circuit 208. Accordingly, forevery “puff” of smoke there will a “chuff” of sound, both correspondingto the speed of the train.

Further, there are three possible “chuff” sounds reflective of the loadon the train(s): constant (normal), labored “chuff” and drift “chuff”.Again, with respect to the load on the train(s), the sound systemcircuit 208 will respond via the processor 200 to the load measurementson the motor 2072 in the same fashion as the smoke system driver circuit205. That is, if for example the train 11 is going up a hill, theprocessor 200 will sense the increase in load and will thereby alter thesound to reflect a “labored” chuff sound. In the same way, if thetrain(s) is going down a hill, the processor 200 will sense the decreasein load and will thereby alter the sound to reflect a “drift” chuffsound. In addition, the “labored” and “drift” chuff sounds can beutilized in the “conventional” or “legacy” mode of operation in thefollowing manner: whenever track voltage is increased, “labored” chuffswill be played, and conversely, whenever track voltage is decreased,“drift” chuffs will be played.

Light Control

The light driver circuit 204 includes a pulse width modulator (notshown) in order to maintain the same brightness regardless of the trackvoltage to thereby attain the realism associated with a real-life train(i.e., a real-life train does not regulate its light output dependent onpower to the engine). Of course, it is also contemplated that a usercould obtain a desired brightness and colors by entering the command onthe remote control 16.

Accessory Interface Unit

Turning to FIGS. 17 a and 17 b, the AIU 18 will be discussed in greaterdetail. The AIU 18 functions to control operation of any of theaccessories (examples provided below) included in the track layout 10(it should be noted that the AIU 18 can also be coupled to accessoriesnot within the immediate track layout 10; e.g., a gas station around theperiphery of the track layout 10). The AIU 18 can be powered by anysuitable means, including, but not limited to, a transformer connectedto a standard wall outlet (not shown) (this can be same as thetransformer the powering track), or a battery. The AIU 18 is coupled tothe TIU 12 (see FIG. 17 a) via an input 180. The connection between theAIU 18 and TIU 12 can also be any known suitable means, including, butnot limited to, a phone line or a conventional power line. Thedifference between the two examples (phone line or conventional powerline) lies in the type of communication signal (fiber optic phone signalor voltage at given frequency) that will be sent to the AIU 18 from theTIU 12.

The AIU 18 further includes a set of output relays 181 which are coupledto various portions of the track layout 10 through standard hard wiring(i.e., voltage/current carrying lines). Accordingly, the AIU 18 can beconnected to a wide range of accessories in any configuration desired bythe user, details of which will be discussed below.

The AIU 18 functions to operate the various accessories (i.e., turnon/off) in response to user commands on the remote control 16.Specifically, when a user enters a command to turn on a street light,for example, the remote control 16 will output an RF signal to the TIU12. In turn, the TIU 12 will output the command via the connection(phone line or conventional power line) to the AIU 18. The AIU 18 willthen switch on/off the appropriate relay 181 coupled to the selectedaccessory to thereby turn on/off power to the selected accessory.

When a user first connects the AIU 18 to the track layout 10, he/she hasthe option to select any combination of accessories to be simultaneouslyswitched with each respective relay 181. For example, the user cancouple one relay 181 to a series of street lights (see FIG. 17 a)distributed throughout the track layout 10. In addition, the user cancouple another relay to a track switches for changing the train path inthe layout 10. Accordingly, the user can couple each of the relaysmarked, for example, 1-20, to a different series of accessories.Moreover, the combinations are not limited to the same type ofaccessories for each relay 181. In other words, a single given relay 181can be coupled to a street light, a crossing gate, and a track switch.It is quickly apparent that the number of combinations are endless,thereby limiting the user in creating a personal track layout 10 only tothe extent of his/her imagination.

Once the user couples the desired relays 181 to the respectiveaccessories throughout the track layout 10, the user will then storeinto memory (either TIU flash memory 125 or remote control flash memory163′) the respective configuration. For example, if a user couples relay#1 to all the street lights in the track layout 10, the user will theninput into the remote control 16 that relay #1 will turn on all streetlights.

The remote control 16 includes push-buttons 162 with alphanumericcharacters printed thereon. Accordingly, when programming a particularrelay 181, the user will be able to name the respective category ofaccessories that the particular relay 181 will switch on. The user canthen store in memory the specific name the user chooses to identify eachconfiguration. That way, the user can simply scroll through the storednames using the thumb-wheel 161 on the remote control 16, and select thename which matches the accessories the user wants to turn on. Forexample, let's assume a user couples relay #1 to all the street lights,relay #2 to the track switches on the southern part of the track layout10, and relay #3 to all the crossing gates on the track layout 10. Usingthe push-buttons 162 with the alphanumeric characters printed thereon,the user can then spell out and store the names “All street lights”corresponding to relay #1, “Southern track switches” corresponding torelay #2, and “All crossing gates” corresponding to relay #3.

Anytime the user wants to operate, for example, the track switcheslocated on the southern part of the track layout, he/she need onlyscroll through the stored list of “named” relays and select “Southerntrack switches”, and the TIU 12 will send the appropriate signal to theAIU 18 corresponding to the selected relay 181, thereby powering andswitching the track switches on the southern portion of the track layout10.

Each relay 181 has a corresponding switch that is configured to beturned on/off based on the output signal from the TIU 12. For example,if a conventional power line is used for the connection between the AIU18 and the TIU 12, then each relay 181 can be activated, and thereforeidentified, by a distinct voltage frequency. For example, if the usercommands relay #1 to turn on, the TIU 12 will send out a voltage at 50Hz, whereas if the user commands relay #2 to turn on, the TIU 12 willsend out a voltage at 100 Hz. Accordingly, a different frequency will beapplied to the AIU 18 from the TIU 12, depending on which relay 181 iscommanded to be turned on. A three wire serial interface connectionbetween the TIU 12 and AIU 18 may also be used, wherein one wire is adata line that is set to the value of the most significant bit of thedata byte being sent. A clock line is then pulsed high then low to clockin the signal into an 8 bit shift register in the AIU 18. After 8 bitshave been clocked in, the entire byte is clocked out by pulsing thethird line, which is a latch. The data in the byte is thereforeessentially 7 bits of address to get to the particular relay in the AIUthat the user wishes to open or close and 1 bit to determine if therelay is being opened or closed.

Of course, various other “identifying” means can be used such as voltageamplitude, fiber optic signals (phone line connection), etc. The generalconcept remains the same; that is, each relay 181 will be configured tobe triggered (i.e., turned on/off) by a “identification signal” sentfrom the TIU 12 in response to a user command to turn on a particularaccessory.

As shown in FIG. 17 b, it is contemplated that any number of AIUs 18 canbe used for the track layout 10 of the present invention, although powerconstraints from the TIU 12 may limit the number of AIUs that can beconnected to a single TIU 12. Up to five AIUs connected to a single TIUhas been tested successfully at the present time, although it isanticipated that this number will improve in the future. Accordingly, auser can obtain a large number of relays 181 needed for creating thedesired combinations of accessories that are to be turned on/offtogether. Along the same line, a plurality of TIUs 12 can also becoupled to the track layout 10, which is made possible by its uniqueelectrical configuration. With any given set-up (e.g., AIUs 18 and TIUs12), the user simply will identify and store the relays 181 into memory.It is clear that relay #1 of AIU #1 can easily be differentiated fromrelay #1 of AIU #2 by simply coding relay #1 of AIU #2 as relay #21 (onthe assumption that AIU #1 has 20 relays).

It is contemplated that the AIUs 18 will have multiple inputs that canbe monitored by the TIU 12. For example, infrared switches (so-called“infrared track activation devices (ITAD)”) or mechanical contactswitches may be connected to the AIU 18. When such a switch is opened orclosed, a signal is passed from the AIU 18 to the TIU 12 so that the TIU12 can activate a related action. For example, an ITAD (which functionsas an infrared motion detector) may be placed near the track and wiredto the AIU 18 such that when a train passes, the ITAD switches and thisaction is then passed to the TIU 12. The TIU 12, now knowing where thetrain is on the track, could then activate a crossing gate locatedelsewhere on the track. Any number of connection possibilities can beachieved in accordance with this feature of the present invention. Forsimplicity's sake, only one input to the AIUs 18 are shown in thefigures.

The SCS of the present invention provides the user with a wide range ofaccessories for incorporation into the track layout 10 to further theconception of realism exuded by the track layout 10. For example, a usermay add an accessory such as a passenger station with “people” waitingto board the approaching train, which will change into an emptypassenger station after the “people” have boarded the train and thetrain moved on. By wiring the passenger station to an AIU 18, the usercan operate a motor (not shown) to move the panel holding the passengersbehind the roof of the station when a train leaves the passengerstation, thereby creating a realistic portrayal of a true passengerstation). Similarly, a freight station is also contemplated by thepresent invention, where cargo replaces the passengers. The operation to“hide” the cargo when a train leaves is similar to the passengerstation.

It should be appreciated that many other types of accessories may beused with the present invention, including, but not limited to, houseswith internal lighting, drive-thru restaurants, lights along the track,crossing-gates, flashing barricades, track switches (where two distincttracks, indicating different paths, come together into one track and thetrack switch determines which track the train will go on), bridges withlighting, water towers, fire houses with fire-trucks that go in and outfrom the track layout 10, billboards with speaker announcements, . . .etc.

Command Record

Another aspect of the present invention is the “record mode” forrecording a list of commands inputted on the remote control 16 to beplayed back at a later time. A user can push a designated push-button162 on the remote control 16 to initiate “record mode”. Thereafter, theuser can input any command (including actuation of any accessories) todrive the track layout 10. For example, the user can input a desiredspeed of 10 smph for two trains on the track in “command mode” ofoperation, a desired speed of 7 smph for the remaining trains on thetrack in “conventional mode”, firing couplers, playing music, switchtrack switches, turn on street lights, etc. Each command inputted in theremote control 16 will be stored in the flash memory 125 of the TIU 12(or alternatively, the commands can be stored in the flash memory 163″of the remote control).

When the user has finished his/her desired chronology of commands, theuser will then push the appropriate push-button 162 to “stop recording”.The user can then name the file and save it in a fashion similar tosaving file names with respect to the accessories discussed above.Accordingly, the user will be able to “play-back” the commands at anytime in the future by simply activating the stored file. This is done byscrolling through the remote control 16 using the thumb-wheel 161 andfinding the file identified by the name given to it (e.g., “My favoritecommands”). By activating the desired file name, the remote control 16will then send the appropriate RF signal to the TIU 12, which willretrieve from its flash memory 125 the desired file and willautomatically play back the list of commands as they were saved! Savingcommands in “record mode” can be accomplished in many modes. One mode isduring actual real time operation. That is, while “record mode” is on,the user can input commands and operate the track layout 10 under normalconditions. The remote control 16 will function to operate the tracklayout in real time while simultaneously directing the TIU 12 to storeeach command, exactly as inputted in real time with the same time delaybetween commands, into its flash memory 125. When the user desires tostop recording, he/she simply presses the appropriate push-button 162and thereafter names the file. At which point, the commands, as theirwere entered, will be stored in the flash memory 125 of the TIU 12 underthe given file name. The user is then free to continue operating thetrack layout 10.

In another mode, the user can also “record” commands without operatingthe track layout 10. This provides many benefits, one of which isillustrated with the following example. Assume a daughter wants tosurprise her mom for her birthday by playing “happy birthday” throughthe speaker 208″ of one of the trains (via, e.g., a CD player) whiledriving the train towards her mom as she enters the room. If she wasrequired to operate the train before the mom entered, the surprise wouldbe ruined as the mom would hear the train moving.

Accordingly, the present invention allows the user to “record” intofiles several sets of commands very quickly and efficiently, as well asquietly (which will allow a user to continue “recording” during latenight hours while others are sleeping). Even further, if a user desiresto input certain time delays between commands (e.g., turning on 10street lights at 10 minute intervals), the user can do so withoutwaiting 100 minutes during actual operation to record such a commandset.

Recording without operating the track layout can be accomplished invarious manners. Most simply, the transformer could be physicallyde-coupled, or the TIU 12 could be physically de-coupled from the tracklayout 10. Alternatively, the TIU 12 can be commanded, via the remotecontrol 16, to operate under “ignore mode”. In “ignore mode”, the TIU 12will receive the entered commands from the remote control 16 and willsave them in the flash memory 125 as discussed above, but will notforward the commands onto the track layout 10 and/or AIU 18. This can beeffected by activating an open circuit, for example, via a transistor sothat the TIU 12 is electrically de-coupled from the track layout 10and/or the AIU 18.

Tiu Power

Another aspect of the present invention is the capability to operatewith any type of power source (i.e., power source 14) for powering thetrack layout 10. This capability is provided by the novel electricalconfiguration of the TIU 12. The TIU can be configured with multiplevoltage inputs and voltage outputs. The voltage inputs may be fixedand/or variable'. Similarly, the voltage outputs may be fixed and/orvariable.

Accordingly, the TIU 12 is capable of receiving voltage from both DC(fixed) and AC (variable) power supplies. Thus, the SCS of the presentinvention can be operated by any commercial power source. Moreover, theTIU 12 is capable of receiving a fixed voltage regardless of the type ofpower source (e.g., an AC power source connected to a fixed voltageinput will be converted to DC or to a different AC value). In the samemanner, a received fixed voltage input can be converted to a variableoutput, thereby allowing the TIU 12 of the present invention to controltrack voltage independently of the power source 14. This allows the morearchaic power sources that do not have RF capability (i.e., can notreceive and transmit RF signals thereby not being capable ofcommunicating directly with the remote control 16) to operate with thesame features enjoyed using a power source 14 with RF capability. Thatis, a user can alter track voltage without needing to manually adjustthe power source (e.g., manipulating a throttle on the power source).Moreover, with fixed voltage power sources, like a battery, previous TIUunits would require replacing the battery for every different trackvoltage desired, which it can be quickly appreciated is impractical tosay the least. By making the appropriate connections to the TIU 12 ofthe present invention, a single battery can be used while still enjoyingthe wide range of features of the present invention which requirevarying track voltage (e.g., changing speeds in legacy and conventionalmode).

Operating Example

An example of the range of features and capabilities of the presentinvention will now be provided. This example is illustrative, notexhaustive.

A model train layout is connected as shown in FIG. 1. A model train isplaced on the track. The user turns the power source up to full andleaves it there, indicating that the user is interested in operating in“command mode.” Once the track is powered up, the trains automaticallyenter Command mode. The model train sends a data packet containinginformation about the model train (address, operating conditions, etc.).This information is retrieved by the user through the remote control andshown on the display unit (if desired).

Once powered up, the TIU regularly sends out a “watchdog” packet to thetrains. If these watchdog packets are present on the track, the trainsassume that Command mode remains the default mode. In the event thetrain ceases to receive the watchdog packets, the train assumes the userwishes to operate in conventional mode and disables the ability toreceive Command mode commands. By this feature, each model train may beselected and “started up” independently. All model trains equipped withthe engine board 20 are always “listening” to the track for data packetsaddressed to them, even when the trains appear to be dormant on thetrack.

The user is now ready to operate the train. The user first decides toturn on and test the train lights. By either pressing a button on theremote control dedicated to a particular light control, or scrollingthrough the commands on the remote control displayed on the displayunit, the user turns on (and/or off) the various lights located on themodel train, such as the head lights, marker lights, ditch lights,beacon lights, and cab interior lights. The light functions areindependent of any train movement.

Next, the user decides to turn the model train's engine on. This isaccomplished by entering the train address and the command “engine on”through the remote control. The model train responds with authentic“engine start-up” sounds. The user now desires the train to begin totraverse the track. The user enters a scale mile-per-hour command, and,if desired, an acceleration rate at which the user wants the model trainto reach the desired scale mile-per-hour. For example, if the user wantsthe train to very slowly reach the desired speed, the user may enter aslow acceleration rate. Conversely, the user may want the train to reachthe desired speed rapidly. A fast acceleration rate will then beentered.

The train will smoothly begin to move, and will eventually reach thedesired speed. Once there, the speed control circuit maintains theconstant speed, even as the train goes around curves and up and downhills.

The user may also desire that authentic sounds operate in conjunctionwith the desired speed. Thus, the user can enter a command that willcorrelate the engine “chuff” sound with the speed of wheel rotation.Another feature that may be correlated to the speed is the smoke output.If the train is moving slowly, the smoke output can be set to lightlypuff or stream smoke (or steam) from the smokestack. If the user entersa new speed, for example, one that is faster than the previous speed,the sounds and smoke will automatically increase with the increase inspeed. In other words, the engine “chuff” sound will become more rapidas the wheel rotation rate increases, and the amount of smoke or steamwill increase, thereby simulating a harder working engine.

In addition to the engine sounds, the user may desire that other soundsbe played simultaneously with the engine sounds. These may be soundsthat are played randomly by the engine (with a command such as “randomoperating sounds”), or manually by the user entering each appropriatesound command, or by playing a customized sound sequence pre-recorded bythe user. There are numerous such sounds available. A non-exhaustivelist includes bells, whistles, horns, coupler slack sounds,clickety-clack sounds, cab chatter, freight yard sounds, passengerstation sounds, train announcements, break sounds, maintenance sounds,dispatcher sounds, and many more. The system also allows the user toindependently control the volume of multiple sounds (for example, theuser can turn down the engine chuff sound, turn up the cab chatter, mutethe whistle, and leave the passenger station sounds constant). Thesystem also provides the user with a master volume control that allowsthe user to turn up, down, or mute all the active sounds at once.

The next feature the user wishes to activate is the Doppler soundeffect. This is a one-button command on the remote control. The trainsound system then activates the Doppler sound effect and the user hearsa simulation of the growing and fading sounds of a train as itapproaches and passes by. The realism of the Doppler sound effect can beheightened by programming it to occur at regular intervals. By so doing,the user can “time” the Doppler sound effect to coincide with each passof the train by where the user is standing, for example.

The user now wishes to connect the model train to a consist. The userslows the train down by entering a new speed command. All sounds andsmoke appropriately coincide with the change in speed. The user thenhits the “coupler” button on the remote control and the coupler opens onthe train (a sound file plays a coupler firing sound at the same time).The user can then bring the train into contact with the consist, thecoupler on the consist is joined with the coupler on the train, and thetrain coupler closes upon joiner. The user can then, if desired, stopthe train and reverse direction (both one-button controls). The user canenter another speed, and the train will pull away with the consist intow.

The train, however, now has to work harder to pull the consist. This isreflected in the amount of smoke or steam is output, and in the enginesounds. The model train engine board monitors the amount of work theengine is expending in order to maintain the desired speed. As theamount of work increases, the model train will activate a new enginesound file that sounds “deeper” and more labored than when the train ismoving without a load. The model train will also cause the smoke unit toproduce a greater amount of smoke or steam, commensurate with theincreased work load.

The user may now decide to activate some of the accessories. Forexample, the user may desire to turn on the lights at all theintersections. The user enters the command previously programmed by theuser on the remote control (for example, “activate intersection lights.”This command is passed from the remote control to the TIU to the AIU,which activates the appropriate relay corresponding to the intersectionlights. The lights at all the intersections then turn on. Otheraccessories are controlled in a similar fashion, including layoutswitches, signal lights, crossing gates, and much more.

The user may now want to become the dispatcher for the train. The userpresses the microphone button on the remote control. Certain sounds,such as the bell and whistle, are muted, while other sounds, such aschuffing, will remain in order to maintain a realistic operation. Theuser speaks into the microphone on the remote control, and the user'svoice plays out the speaker on the model train, while the train movesaround the track.

Next, the user desires to play a CD. The user enters the “proto-cast”command, which tells the system that sounds from an external source willnow be input. The system mutes all other sounds and waits for input fromthe external source (such as a CD player or computer). The sounds areplayed from the external source and are streamed, in real time, down thetracks where they are picked up by the model train and played out thetrain speaker. The user can adjust the volume using the master volumecontrol.

When the user is ready to end his or her session, the user enters a“stop” command. The train smoothly decelerates to zero miles per hourand comes to a stop. The user then enters an “engine off” command. Thetrain responds with a series of extended “shutdown” sound effects.Engine lights can be automatically turned off or turned off manually bythe user. Finally, the user asks the train for the total “scale miles”traversed by the engine. That information is passed from the train tothe remote control and displayed on the display unit. The model trainprocessor records and maintains the total amount of mileage for eachsession and the total for that particular engine. Thus, the user has anaccurate account of the total “mileage” and run time in hours on thatparticular train, which is useful for managing the maintenance of thetrain.

The present invention has been described with reference to its preferredembodiments. It is noted that the present invention may be embodied inother forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof. For example, the novel control system of thepresent invention, for exemplary purposes only, has been described interms of model trains. However, it should be appreciated that the novelcontrol system of the present invention has applicability to a widerange of model vehicles other than model trains, including, but notlimited to, cars, buses, metro rails, airplanes (e.g., on the runway, orwhile flying using RF signals directly between the engine board of theplane and the hand-held remote), bicycles, etc. In short, any type ofmodel vehicle that moves and can be independently controlled by a usercan utilize the novel control system of the present invention. Thepresent embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended tobe embraced therein.

1-91. (canceled)
 92. A model train comprising: a memory; and a processorconfigured to download data from an external device and store said datain said memory and/or to upload data to an external device.
 93. Themodel train of claim 92, wherein said processor is configured todownload data from an external device and store said data in said memoryand to upload data to an external device.
 94. The model train of claim92, wherein said data is at least one of a sound file, train diagnosticfile and train operational file.
 95. The model train of claim 92,wherein said external device includes a communication device.
 96. Themodel train of claim 95, wherein said communication device is at leastone of a computer and telephone.
 97. The model train of claim 95,wherein said model train uploads and/or downloads data to and/or from adigital communication protocol via said communication device.
 98. Themodel train of claim 97, wherein said digital communication protocolincludes the Internet.
 99. The model train of claim 92, wherein saiddata includes a sound file and said processor is further configured todownload and playback said sound file in real time.
 100. The model trainof claim 99, wherein said external device includes a sound source, saidsound source includes at least one of a computer, CD player, cassetteplayer, MP3 player, DVD player, mini-disc player, memory stick,microphone and Internet.
 101. The model train of claim 92, wherein saidprocessor is further configured to download and/or execute a softwarepatch or upgrade from the external device.
 102. The model train of claim101, wherein said data includes a train diagnostic file, wherein saidsoftware path or upgrade is downloaded based on the train diagnosticfile uploaded to said external device.
 103. The model train of claim102, wherein said external device includes a computer.
 104. The modeltrain of claim 103, wherein said software patch or upgrade is downloadedfrom the Internet via said computer.
 105. A model train systemcomprising: a model train; and a track interface unit coupled to saidmodel train so as to enable data transfer therebetween, said model trainincluding: a memory; and a processor configured to download data from anexternal device through said track interface unit and store said data insaid memory and/or to upload data through said track interface unit toan external device.
 106. The model train system of claim 105, furthercomprising an external device coupled to said model train through saidtrack interface unit.
 107. The model train system of claim 105, furthercomprising track rails on which the model train is adapted to belocated, said track interface unit transferring data with said modeltrain through said track rails.
 108. The model train system of claim107, further comprising an external device coupled to said model trainthrough said track interface unit and said track rails.
 109. The modeltrain system of claim 107, wherein said track interface unit transfersdata with said model train through said track rails via spread spectrumsignaling.
 110. The model train of claim 105, wherein said processor isconfigured to download data from an external device and store said datain said memory and to upload data to an external device.
 111. The modeltrain of claim 105, wherein said data is at least one of a sound file,train diagnostic file and train operational file.
 112. The model trainof claim 105, wherein said external device includes a communicationdevice.
 113. The model train of claim 112, wherein said communicationdevice is at least one of a computer and telephone.
 114. The model trainof claim 112, wherein said model train uploads and/or downloads data toand/or from a digital communication protocol via said communicationdevice.
 115. The model train of claim 114, wherein said digitalcommunication protocol includes the Internet.
 116. The model train ofclaim 105, wherein said data includes a sound file and said processor isfurther configured to download and playback said sound file in realtime.
 117. The model train of claim 116, wherein said external deviceincludes a sound source, said sound source includes at least one of acomputer, CD player, cassette player, MP3 player, DVD player, mini-discplayer, memory stick, microphone and Internet.
 118. The model train ofclaim 105, wherein said processor is further configured to downloadand/or execute a software patch or upgrade from the external device.119. The model train of claim 118, wherein said data includes a traindiagnostic file, wherein said software path or upgrade is downloadedbased on the train diagnostic file uploaded to said external device.120. The model train of claim 119, wherein said external device includesa computer.
 121. The model train of claim 120, wherein said softwarepatch or upgrade is downloaded from the Internet via said computer.